Recent fires in Ealing parks have prompted new warnings from Ealing Council and London Fire Brigade over the risk of wildfires as hot, dry conditions leave grass and vegetation vulnerable to rapidly spreading flames.
Fires have had to be extinguished at Perivale Park and Horsenden Hill in Perivale, as well as Gunnersbury Park.
Ealing Council has also introduced a temporary ban on barbecues and bonfires at all of its allotments in response to the increased fire risk.
The council and London Fire Brigade are urging residents to take extra care in parks, allotments and other open spaces, warning that barbecues, discarded cigarettes and even glass bottles can start fires when vegetation is particularly dry.
Barbecues are already banned in Ealing’s parks, while visitors are being asked not to leave glass bottles behind, to take rubbish home if bins are full and to dispose of cigarettes responsibly.
Patrick Goulbourne, London Fire Brigade assistant commissioner for operational resilience and control, said: “In these dry conditions, it only takes a spark to start a grass fire and they can spread rapidly, quickly threatening homes, workplaces, infrastructure and the environment.
“That’s why we’re asking Londoners to play their part in protecting London, and our emergency resources, by taking extra care around green spaces.
“If you’re heading to a park or open space to enjoy the sunshine, please don’t take a disposable barbecue with you. Even after they have been extinguished, they can retain heat for many hours and pose a serious fire risk.”
London Fire Brigade is also advising anyone having a barbecue at home to keep it well away from fences, sheds, trees and anything else that could catch fire.
Councillor Lauren Wall, Ealing Council cabinet member for thriving communities, said: “We’ve all seen on the news how devastating a wildfire can be and we are fortunate that the recent fires in our parks were not worse.
“Our park rangers and volunteers from the community have been working hard to reduce the risk. We’re also asking the public to play its part in keeping everyone who uses our parks and open spaces safe.”
Anyone who sees a fire should make sure they are in a safe place away from the fire and vegetation and call 999 immediately.
