Dozens of firefighters were deployed to tackle a grass fire at Wanstead Flats in east London as temperatures soared during the latest heatwave to hit the UK. The incident on Friday saw around 14 acres of grassland alight, with crews from multiple stations arriving by early afternoon to bring the blaze under control by mid-afternoon. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

This fire comes amid a severe wildfire risk rating across London, placed by the Natural Hazards Partnership due to prolonged dry conditions and soaring temperatures, which reached 34C on the day of the fire. The UK Health Security Agency has also issued a heat health alert covering London and much of southern and central England, which remains in effect until Monday morning. London Fire Brigade (LFB) officials underscored how the city’s abundant green spaces—nearly half of the capital—are particularly vulnerable under such weather, increasing the threat to nearby homes and infrastructure.

The brigade urged caution to prevent fires as even small sparks can rapidly escalate amid dry vegetation. Station Commander Darren McTernan, who oversaw the response at Wanstead Flats, commended the crews’ efforts in difficult conditions and advised the public to steer clear of the affected area while operations continued. The London Fire Brigade spokesperson warned that with this summer’s driest spring in over a century, the risk of fire spread is heightened, especially with rising temperatures. They also reminded people to be vigilant about possible fire causes, including discarded smoking materials and barbecues.

This incident joins a series of recent wildfire warnings and calls for responsible behaviour issued by the London Fire Brigade in 2025. Earlier in the summer, the brigade highlighted two major grass fires in Rainham, both requiring extensive resources. Disposable barbecues have been pinpointed as a common ignition source, with hundreds of related callouts recorded over recent years, and several injuries attributed. The brigade advises against using such barbecues in parks and recommends safe barbecue practices at home, such as placing grills on level, non-flammable surfaces and ensuring they are fully cooled before disposal or cleaning.

The risks extend beyond just fire damage, with the brigade also responding to frequent water incidents as people seek relief from heat by swimming in unsafe open water. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Jamie Jenkins cautioned about the dangers of strong currents, underwater hazards, and cold-water shock despite tempting conditions.

Looking back, London has faced significant wildfire challenges in recent years. The largest grass fire in the brigade’s history took place in July 2018 on Wanstead Flats, when over 220 firefighters tackled a blaze comparable in size to 100 football pitches. At that time, the then Commissioner Dany Cotton emphasised the rapidity with which dry conditions can fuel fire spread and urged the public to avoid risky behaviour such as discarding cigarettes from vehicles or having barbecues on dry grass.

The sustained threat of wildfires has prompted the London Fire Brigade to enhance preparedness. In July 2025, they conducted a wildfire response training exercise in Richmond Park, working with The Royal Parks charity. This simulation aimed to protect both residents and London’s treasured wildlife, including sensitive nesting areas, from increasingly frequent fires linked to climate change effects. Richmond Borough Commander Rob Davies highlighted the crucial nature of such exercises in light of warming and drying trends afflicting London’s parks and open spaces.

With meteorological forecasts predicting further heatwaves this summer, wildfire risk remains elevated, requiring continued vigilance from both authorities and the public. The London Fire Brigade continues to call on residents, landowners, and local councils to implement fire prevention measures like fire breaks while encouraging safe behaviour to prevent unnecessary fires. The ongoing changes in climate underscore the urgency of adapting urban fire safety strategies to protect both people and London’s natural environment.

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Source: Noah Wire Services