The London Fire Brigade is urging residents to take extra care this Easter as the risk of wildfires and grass fires increases across the capital due to ongoing dry conditions.
Despite moderate temperatures, the continued lack of rainfall means grassland, parks, and woodland areas are highly susceptible to fire. Over the Easter weekend (4–7 April), 2,215 emergency calls were received — 713 more than the same period last year — with firefighters tackling around 65 outdoor fires, including incidents in gardens, shrubbery and open spaces.
To bolster its response, two specialised wildfire vehicles are being deployed as part of an ongoing pilot scheme. These 4×4 units carry 500 litres of water, beaters, backpack blowers, misting lances and other fire-fighting tools designed for fast, off-road deployment in challenging terrain.
Assistant Commissioner Thomas Goodall said: “The risk of wildfires in London currently is heightened and this risk increases with every day that passes without rainfall. The rise in calls that we have seen in London, plus events around the country, demonstrate that it doesn’t need to be hot for fires to occur outdoors.
“A minority of the fires we’ve attended recently are believed to have been started deliberately. What might seem like harmless fun has the ability to turn into something much more serious, particularly given current weather conditions.
“Over the Easter holidays, parents should ensure that their children understand the fire risks to help protect our open spaces, we also urge Londoners to take steps to ensure they are not inadvertently starting a fire. They can do this by not using barbecues in open spaces or on balconies, including disposable ones, to throw rubbish away.”
