No BBQ orr fire sign in London. Photo: Shutterstock The London Fire Brigade (LFB) is urging the public to take extra precautions as prolonged periods of hot and dry weather increase the risk of grass and wildfires across the UK.
In updated safety guidance, the Brigade warned that dry grass and vegetation can ignite from even the smallest spark, leading to fast-moving and unpredictable fires.
"Wildfires are uncontrolled and unpredictable. They can spread very quickly," the London Fire Brigade said.
Officials are advising anyone who discovers a wildfire to move to a safe location away from vegetation and smoke before immediately calling 999. Members of the public are also being encouraged to download the free what3words app to help emergency services pinpoint their location.
The Brigade stressed that people should never attempt to tackle a wildfire themselves, noting that fires can smoulder underground and spread rapidly.
Barbecues remain one of the leading causes of grass fires during the summer months. The LFB is reminding residents and visitors not to use barbecues, including disposable ones, in parks and public spaces.
"Take a picnic instead," the guidance states. The agency also warned against barbecuing on balconies, where flames, sparks, and embers can quickly spread to nearby buildings or grassland.
Don't barbeque on the balcony. Photo: ShutterstockDisposable barbecues should be completely extinguished and allowed to cool before disposal, as they can continue to emit heat and carbon monoxide long after use.
Cigarettes are another common cause of outdoor fires. Smokers are urged to fully extinguish cigarette butts and avoid throwing them onto dry ground, from balconies, or out of car windows.
In addition, the London Fire Brigade highlighted the dangers posed by glass bottles left in direct sunlight, which can act as magnifying lenses and ignite dry vegetation. Members of the public are encouraged to take their litter home if bins are full.
Authorities also reiterated that arson is a criminal offense that can result in injury, loss of life, and significant environmental damage.
The warning comes as parts of the UK continue to experience elevated temperatures and dry conditions, creating ideal circumstances for wildfires to develop in parks, grasslands, and wooded areas.
Anyone who witnesses suspicious activity related to fires is encouraged to contact Crimestoppers or local police.
At the start of the week, we announced that Italy issued high wildfire alerts across parts of Sardinia and Sicily amid hot, dry weather. The alerts come just days after neighboring Spain battled one of its deadliest wildfires in recent years. The devastating blaze near Los Gallardos in Andalusia killed at least 11 people, left others missing, and forced around 1,000 residents to evacuate before firefighters managed to stabilize the fire.
At the start of the month, Portugal also entered a state of alert as extreme wildfire conditions prompted travel warnings, forest access bans, and emergency restrictions, while Greece asked travelers to stay alert after firefighters responded to 40 wildfires in just 24 hours. In France, two wildfires burned over 2,000 hectares in the Fontainebleau forest south of Paris over 48 hours,