2 days ago
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.
