As of 26 June, London Fire Brigade had responded to 14 wildfires in 2025, including nine in June.
The most recent took place in Enfield, when around 70 firefighters responded to around seven hectares of grass and shrubland alight.
A wildfire is deemed as that defined by the National Fire Chiefs Council criteria.
Brigade’s safety advice to prevent grass fires during the heatwave
BBQs
Position your BBQ outdoors, on level ground (not decking) and keep it well away from anything that may catch fire such as sheds, fences, or trees.
Avoid distractions from people around you and never leave the BBQ unattended.
Avoid drinking alcohol if you are in charge of the BBQ.
Keep children, pets and garden games a safe distance from the BBQ.
After cooking, make sure the BBQ is cool before moving or cleaning.
Empty ashes onto bare garden soil, not into dustbins or wheelie bins. If they’re hot, they can melt the plastic and start a fire.
Keep a bucket of water, sand or a garden hose nearby for emergencies.
Smoking
Discarded smoking materials pose a huge fire risk. If you have had a cigarette, please make sure that it is completely out.
Never throw cigarette ends out of car windows.
If you are smoking on your balcony, have an ashtray to hand, and don’t flick your ashes off the balcony.
Rubbish
Leftover rubbish poses a huge fire risk. People are asked to ensure their rubbish is placed securely inside a bin or to take it home with them.
Don’t leave bottles or glass in woodland or open spaces – sunlight shining through glass can start fires (take them home and recycle them).
London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner Thomas Goodall said: “London is already facing its second heatwave of the year and we know that people will be looking forward to getting outside to enjoy the wonderful weather. But the high temperatures and low rainfall in recent months means the current risk of wildfires is severe.
“So far this year, firefighters have responded to around 14 wildfires in the capital. There have also been countless call-outs to smaller fires involving grass, trees and in other outdoor spaces, as well as in people’s gardens.
“During this latest heatwave, it is important everyone acts responsibly to prevent fires from occurring. As the weather has been so dry, it only takes a few sparks to lead to a fire spreading rapidly. In London, this is can be dangerous because so many of our green spaces lie close to homes and other properties.
“If you’re heading out, please don’t take a disposable BBQ with you. They can retain heat for several hours after use and are banned by local authorities from many of London’s parks. Also make sure you are discarding of smoking materials properly and take rubbish home with you if no bins are available.
“At home, make sure your BBQ is positioned away from flammable items like fences, sheds, decking and trees and please don’t have any type of BBQ on your balcony.
“We’re also strongly advising people to avoid burning any waste in this type of weather and to not have bonfires, particularly in their gardens.”
