As temperatures climb across the UK, the risk of wildfires in London and Northern Ireland has been raised to severe, prompting urgent warnings from fire services.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has confirmed that it has already responded to multiple wildfires and is urging the public to act responsibly during the ongoing heatwave.
While the rap battle between Kendrick Lamar and Drake heats up at UK venues—including Wireless Festival and the Super Bowl star’s own tour—the real blaze is taking hold outdoors, with parched landscapes posing serious fire hazards.
In east London, around 70 firefighters were deployed to tackle a grass fire on Wanstead Flats, near Capel Road in Manor Park, after over 20 emergency calls. The blaze, which sent smoke across residential areas, prompted LFB to advise locals to keep windows and doors closed.
Firefighters have been stretched thin this week, attending at least four major wildfires and numerous smaller blazes involving grass, trees, gardens, and other green spaces.
“With almost no rainfall and scorching temperatures, grass and vegetation are becoming tinder-dry,” said an LFB spokesperson. “It takes just a spark for a fire to spread quickly—especially in urban areas where green spaces border homes.”
The Natural Hazards Partnership has escalated its wildfire alert for Northern Ireland from yellow to amber for the weekend, signalling a high risk of fast-moving fires that may prove difficult to contain. Temperatures are expected to hit 30°C, with 28°C already recorded in Eglinton, near Londonderry.
Authorities are urging the public to avoid using disposable barbecues, properly dispose of cigarettes, and stay vigilant during the extreme weather.
“This isn’t just a one-off,” said the fire brigade. “We expect more incidents like this if the dry spell continues.”
Key Safety Advice During the Heatwave:
- Avoid disposable barbecues in parks or open countryside
- Never discard cigarettes on the ground
- Report signs of smoke or fire immediately to 999
- Keep doors and windows closed if you live near an active blaze
- Be especially cautious near dry grassland and woodland
With no meaningful rain forecast and temperatures soaring, authorities are on high alert to prevent another summer of destructive wildfires across the UK.
