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BBC News
4 days ago
- Climate
- BBC News
Wildfire prevention urged by London Fire Brigade after dry spring
Fire breaks should be introduced to open areas to prevent wildfires this summer, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) has is likely to be one of the driest on record, according to the Met Office, and landowners and councils are being asked to play their part to reduce the under half of the capital is considered to be green space, many of which lie next to homes and breaks can be created by removing grass or ploughing earth to exclude any flammable vegetation, forming a barrier that prevents the easy spread of flames. LFB's deputy commissioner Charlie Pugsley said grass fires could spread particularly rapidly, as seen in the capital as well as worldwide in California and South 2022, London experienced record-breaking temperatures and long periods of dry weather that resulted in some of the most severe wildfires the city has ever had. James St John Davis, from the City of London Corporation's natural environment board, said: "As custodians of some of London's most iconic open spaces, we manage complex landscapes that are often right next to people's homes where the threat of wildfire is very real."We reduce risk through seasonal grass cutting, natural fire breaks, and widespread staff training to respond swiftly, often before emergency crews arrive. This year we've also invested in three new fire fogging units to tackle contained fires, such as those caused by barbecues." Grass fires can be prevented by avoiding the use of disposable BBQs in parks and open spaces, ensuring cigarettes are put out completely and disposed of correctly, and taking rubbish home if no bins are can also help by maintaining their gardens by preventing them becoming overgrown.
Telegraph
26-03-2025
- Telegraph
Sadiq Khan bans e-bikes on Tube after union strike threat
Sir Sadiq Khan will ban e-bikes from Tube and rail services in London after unions threatened to strike. Transport for London (TfL) said non-folding e-bikes will no longer be allowed on the Tube, Overground, Elizabeth line and DLR from March 31. The ban includes conventional bicycles that have been turned into e-bikes using conversion kits. The Labour mayor of the capital is likely to face accusations he has given in to trade union militancy once again, after members of Aslef threatened industrial action unless TfL banned the devices. The walkout threat came after an e-bike caught fire on the platform at Rayners Lane Tube station in north-west London. Electrically-assisted bicycles are fitted with a motor and a battery so riders can pedal faster and for longer, while tiring themselves less. Batteries using lithium-ion technology are typically fitted to e-bikes. They have caused a number of lethal explosions and fires after being plugged into the wrong chargers. A coroner ruled in February that the deaths of a couple and their two dogs in a house fire had been caused when a charging e-bike battery ignited and 'rapidly escalated into an intense blaze'. Charlie Pugsley, a London fire brigade deputy commissioner, said of Tuesday's TfL ban: 'We welcome this move by TfL following their detailed safety review, as it acknowledges the risks that we know e-bike batteries can pose. 'While we recognise the sustainable benefits e-bikes, and micromobility generally, bring to our city, the reality is that across London we have been seeing an e-bike or e-scooter fire every other day, on average, and we have particular concern about the risk posed by conversion kits or modified e-bikes. 'When these fires occur, they can be sudden, incredibly ferocious and produce smoke that is extremely toxic.' Finn Brennan, the union's London Underground organiser, said: 'We welcome the announcement by TfL that non-folding e-bikes are to be banned from its services on London Underground, on the Overground, and on the Elizabeth line. 'This is something for which Aslef health and safety reps have long campaigned. It will reduce the risk of a serious accident, and the dangers caused by large numbers of unfolded e-bikes blocking exits in emergencies. 'We are pleased that TfL have listened to our concerns and has now acted on them.' Sir Sadiq said in a statement: 'The safety of Londoners is my top priority and, while most e-bikes are safe, there have been a small number of incidents where non-foldable e-bikes have caught fire on the transport system, which have caused me great concern. 'This is why, following a comprehensive review of the safety of e-bikes, TfL is banning all non-folding e-bikes on tube and rail services. 'I have asked TfL to continue to work with Government and partners to improve e-bike safety as we build a safer London for everyone.'
