Londoners have been warned of a severe risk of wildfires as the capital braces itself for its second heatwave of the year, with temperatures forecast to rise above 35C.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has issued an alert highlighting the extreme risk posed by the combination of high temperatures and very low rainfall, which have created tinder-dry conditions across the capital’s open spaces.
Assistant Commissioner Thomas Goodall, from the LFB, said: “London is already facing its second heatwave of the year and we know that people will be looking forward to getting outside to enjoy the wonderful weather. But the high temperatures and low rainfall in recent months means the current risk of wildfires is severe.
“So far this year, firefighters have responded to around 14 wildfires in the capital. There have also been countless call-outs to smaller fires involving grass, trees and in other outdoor spaces, as well as in people's gardens.
“During this latest heatwave, it is important everyone acts responsibly to prevent fires from occurring. As the weather has been so dry, it only takes a few sparks to lead to a fire spreading rapidly. In London, this is can be dangerous because so many of our green spaces lie close to homes and other properties.
“If you’re heading out, please don’t take a disposable BBQ with you. They can retain heat for several hours after use and are banned by local authorities from many of London's parks. Also make sure you are discarding of smoking materials properly and take rubbish home with you if no bins are available.
“At home, make sure your BBQ is positioned away from flammable items like fences, sheds, decking and trees and please don’t have any type of BBQ on your balcony.
“We’re also strongly advising people to avoid burning any waste in this type of weather and to not have bonfires, particularly in their gardens.”
So far in 2025, LFB has attended 14 wildfires, nine of which occurred in June alone. The most recent incident involved around 70 firefighters responding to a blaze covering seven hectares of grass and shrubland in Enfield.
The Brigade is currently trialling four wildfire response vehicles, equipped with misting lance technology and capable of reaching off-road locations inaccessible to standard fire engines. These vehicles have already been used at 19 incidents this year.
Last Saturday was the hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures rising to 33.2C (91.8F) in the village of Charlwood near London Gatwick Airport. In London, a heatwave is triggered when a location records at least three consecutive days where the daily maximum temperature meets or exceeds 28C (82F).
The Met Office forecasts that Friday will be breezy and dry, with variable cloud cover and extended periods of hazy sunshine and temperatures reaching up to 28C. Tonight will remain warm and muggy, with clear intervals and patchy cloud overnight.
Saturday will see early cloud clearing quickly to long sunny spells, becoming very warm or hot and humid with maximum temperatures around 29C. Looking ahead to Sunday and early next week, conditions will stay largely dry with good spells of sunshine. Temperatures will rise further, reaching up to 36C on Monday, with warm nights and high humidity expected to continue into next week.
In July 2022’s 40.2C summer, scores of homes were destroyed by fires in the village of Wennington, near Rainham, and Dagenham in east London.
Firefighters had their busiest 24 hours since the Second World War tackling more than 200 blazes.
