THE WILDFIRES in France and Spain have hit the headlines this summer – but there have also been wildfires in England and Scotland. Now we know how quickly a small blaze can get out of control, we all need to be careful not to start one

Just how quickly a small fire can escalate can be seen in our own East London. It took ten fire engines and 70 firefighters to put out a recent fire at Ingrebourne Hill, Havering, in July. They worked for four hours to extinguish the flames – but still some ten hectares of grassland was damaged and around 35 local residents had to be evacuated as a precaution.

We all need to take great care when we are outdoors. Don’t take portable BBQs outdoors. If you are a small retailer who sells them, take them off the shelves for now. If you are smoking outdoors, dispose of your cancer sticks very carefully: make sure they are fully out and pour a bit of water over them to take away the heat that could set our dry grass alight.  Better still, stop smoking anyway. If you have a garden, tidy it up. Cut down long, dry grass and dispose of it safely.

Charging e-bikes is always risky. Don’t do it indoors, and keep a close eye on your bike while it is charging, checking the battery is not overheating. Put your bike in the safest place possible, ideally away from grass and vegetation. If you have to put it near something that could burn, put a bucket of water nearby: not for the bike but to deal with any flames in surrounding grass, etc., before they take hold.

Fire is not the only danger during the summer months. Water is dangerous too – and we know there are accidental drowning each year. Swim safely, in a Council or Leisure Centre pool.

London Fire Brigade’s Assistant Commissioner Pam Oparaocha spelled out the dangers and how to deal with them, saying, “With the start of the summer holidays, it is important people stay safe whilst enjoying the hot weather. If you’re out in our parks and open spaces, you can help reduce the risk of wildfires. Keep your disposable BBQ at home, put your rubbish in bins and safely dispose of smoking materials.  

“London’s waterways may look like a great way to cool off, but they can pose serious danger. Only swim in designated bathing areas, where it is safe to do so. Open water can have strong currents, hidden debris, slippery edges, and sudden drops in depth - all of which can be fatal.   

“Over the holiday period, it is important parents and guardians discuss these dangers with young people. Whether it is water safety or the risk of wildfires, it's important we all know what we can do to stay safe.”

Thank you to London’s firefighters for keeping us safe – and dealing with the consequences when we have been stupid.

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