Hottest Day Of The Year Brings Wildfire And Water Safety Warning To Havering Residents

As temperatures are expected to soar into the high thirties today, London Fire Brigade is urging Havering residents to take extra care as what is expected to be the hottest day of the year brings an increased risk of wildfires and water-related incidents.

With many people expected to head to parks, open spaces and beauty spots across Havering to enjoy the sunshine, firefighters are warning that the combination of prolonged hot weather and dry conditions creates the perfect environment for grass and scrub fires to spread rapidly.

An assessment by the Natural Hazards Partnership has concluded there remains an elevated risk of wildfires across London.

The warning comes after around 25 firefighters were called to tackle a scrubland fire in Enfield this week.

London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne said:

“London is already in the midst of its second heatwave of the year and we know that the public will want to enjoy this exceptionally hot weather.

“However, it is important that this is done safely as during periods of dry and sustained extreme heat, the chance of wildfires spreading rapidly is high.

“The Brigade is ready and prepared to respond to all types of incidents but we urge everyone to play their part to prevent incidents, such as wildfires, which can be time-consuming to resolve and have devastating impacts on livelihoods, occurring in the first place.”

The warning is particularly relevant to Havering, which is home to large areas of open countryside, parks, woodland and green spaces including Bedfords Park, Havering Country Park, Hornchurch Country Park, Harrow Lodge Park and Dagnam Park.

Residents are being urged not to use disposable barbecues in parks or open spaces, as they can retain heat for hours after use and can easily ignite dry grass.

People are also being reminded to dispose of cigarettes responsibly and either use bins provided or take rubbish home if bins are unavailable.

For those planning barbecues at home, the advice is to keep them well away from fences, sheds and other flammable materials and never use them on balconies or wooden decking.

The extreme temperatures are also expected to tempt people into rivers, lakes and reservoirs in a bid to cool down.

However, firefighters are warning that open water can be far more dangerous than it appears.

Assistant Commissioner Goulbourne added:

“We know that this very hot spell of weather will tempt people to cool off in rivers, reservoirs and lakes, but even in hot weather most inland water in London remains below 16°C, which can cause cold water shock and lead to drowning.

“Many Londoners, including parents, are not aware that despite its calm surface, open water can have strong currents, hidden debris, slippery edges and sudden drops in depth – all of which could prove fatal.”

The Brigade is urging parents, guardians and teachers to speak with children about the dangers of swimming in open water, particularly as schools across Havering have adjusted their routines due to the heatwave.

If people choose to swim outdoors, they are advised to use designated swimming areas where lifeguards and safety equipment are present.

Anyone who sees somebody in difficulty in the water is urged not to enter the water themselves. Instead, they should call 999 immediately and try to throw the person something that floats.

Firefighters are also reminding people of the “Float to Live” advice if they unexpectedly find themselves struggling in water. The guidance is to tilt your head back, keep your ears submerged, spread your arms and legs and focus on controlling your breathing before calling for help or swimming to safety.

With temperatures expected to climb throughout the day, Havering residents are being urged to enjoy the sunshine but do so responsibly.

A moment’s care could prevent a wildfire, save a life and ensure that everyone enjoys the hottest day of the year safely.

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