No BBQ orr fire sign in London. Photo: Shutterstock A disposable BBQ is believed to have caused a grass fire in Mitcham, south London, prompting a major response from the London Fire Brigade and a warning to people planning to enjoy the warm weather outdoors.
Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters were called to the fire near Commonside East, where approximately one hectare of shrubs and grassland was burning.
Firefighters used specialist wildfire beaters to tackle the flames. The equipment consists of a long handle with a flat rubber end and is designed to beat down vegetation fires by depriving the flames of oxygen while cooling the burning area.
The London Fire Brigade's Drone Team was also deployed, providing the Incident Commander with an aerial view of the fire and helping crews assess the spread of the blaze.
The Brigade was first called to the incident at 1:46 p.m. local time, with crews from Mitcham, Norbury, Wimbledon and surrounding fire stations sent to the scene.
Firefighters brought the fire under control by 2:51 p.m.
The cause of the blaze is believed to have been a disposable BBQ, prompting the Brigade to issue a warning about the dangers of using them in parks and other open spaces.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson urged people planning to enjoy the weather in the coming days not to take disposable BBQs with them.
"If you’re planning to enjoy the weather over the coming days either in a park or other open spaces, please don’t take a disposable BBQ with you!".
The warning also extends to discarded smoking materials, which can ignite dry grass and vegetation.
The Brigade urged people to dispose of cigarettes properly and to take rubbish home if suitable bins are not available.
In an earlier warning, the Fire Brigade asked Londoners to avoid barbequing on their balconies, as flames, sparks, and embers can quickly spread to nearby buildings or grassland.
Don't barbeque on the balcony. Photo: Shutterstock