This summer has been Britain’s warmest.
As our climate continues to change, we must plan now for hotter, drier summers. That means training, resourcing, and clear policies for tackling wildfires.
Long dry spells have left our open spaces parched. Fires damage property, threaten wildlife, and put lives at risk. Climate change is making these incidents more frequent. There have been at least 64 wildfires in London this year.
As Labour’s lead for fire at the London Assembly, I have spent this year working with the London Fire Brigade (LFB) to make sure they are ready.
Anne Clarke is preparing for more hot summers (Image: Anne Clarke AM) I am glad to see lighter protective gear that helps firefighters work better in extreme heat is now being trialled.
The LFB is trialling new wildfire 4×4 vehicles that can drive over grasslands and where large fire engines can’t too.
They are using drones and “holey hoses” that create a wall of water.
All of this has been partly funded from City Hall as part of a £40m transformation fund.
I have also pushed for more public education. Fires are often started by human activity. Barbecues, carelessly discarded cigarettes, and even glass left on dry grass can all spark disaster.
I am pleased to see that the LFB has improved communication with councils so they have more warning when dry vegetation becomes a risk, and has launched warnings ahead of summer.
These are important steps, but we must keep reminding Londoners of the risks.
At the Assembly’s fire committee, I have urged the LFB to update its plans to include policies, training, and resourcing specific to wildfires, too.
Closer to home, the threat of fire on Hampstead Heath is always a concern locally.
Each summer, we see small fires from barbecues and litter. Thankfully, there were no serious incidents this year.
With changing weather patterns, we cannot afford to be complacent. By working together, residents, councils, and the LFB can protect the Heath and keep it safe for generations to come.
- Anne Clarke is Labour London Assembly member for Barnet and Camden.