The London Fire Brigade is “well-prepared” for the growing threat of wildfires in the capital, fire chiefs have said.
Temperatures in the capital hit a record 40.2C in July 2022 and the LFB saw its busiest day since the Second World War tackling more than 200 wildfires.
Fires tore through people’s homes, destroying 19 homes in the east London village of Wennington, near Rainham, and damaging a further 56 properties.
The extreme weather was described by one fire boss as “a genuine watershed moment for the LFB and London as a whole" and since then the brigade has introduced a range of measures to protect the capital from further outbreaks.
The London Assembly fire committee hosted a series of panels to find out how the LFB has prepared for similar outbreaks.
The deputy commissioner and operational director for preparedness and response at the brigade, Jonathan Smith, told BBC London that global warming created "a clear and present risk" of wildfires.
He explained that improvements, that were "absolutely driven" by the experience of July 2022, have been made to help tackle further wildfires in the capital.
A review of the LFB’s response to the fires found that staff shortages and the unavailability of personal protective equipment had caused the brigade difficulties.
Four new specialist vehicles that can drive off-road and have technology that allows firefighters to pump water while driving have been added to the brigade’s rooster.
The LFB has also introduced a “holey hose” which can create a two-metre-high curtain of water.
Fire experts from Spain and Finland spoke to the committee, sharing their experiences of working in high temperatures and densely forested land, and all firefighters have been given enhanced training.
Firefighters will also be provided with additional hydration packs, sun cream and headgear for personal protection while dealing with the fires.
Assistant Commissioner Keeley Foster said: “The wildfires that we experienced in London in 2022 were unprecedented and had a devastating impact on our open spaces and communities.
“Firefighters and colleagues across the brigade demonstrated incredible bravery and determination to respond but it was an example of how firefighters are increasingly being challenged by new extremes of weather as the climate changes.
“We have learned from our response two years ago to make sure the Brigade is well-prepared to tackle this ever-growing risk head-on.
“New equipment including response vehicles and the holey hose, alongside enhanced training for firefighters, and the introduction of specialist roles at these incidents mean the brigade is better equipped to respond if we do face extreme weather again this year.
“Preparedness and prevention is essential in helping to reduce the risk to our communities to prevent grass fires.
“That means not having barbecues in open spaces or on balconies, throwing rubbish away safely and not leaving broken bottles or glass on the ground and disposing of cigarettes properly.”
