Wildfire warning issued over disposable barbecues

London Fire Brigade urged people to use barbecues carefully during a bank holiday weekend as London faces its first heatwave of the year. Temperatures are forecast to exceed 30C and a yellow heat-health alert has been issued for London. Firefighters warned that barbecue fires are common in April and May and urged banning disposable barbecues in the capital. People were told not to place barbecues on balconies or decking and to keep children and pets away. Firefighters also warned of increased grass fires and wildfires due to wetter-than-usual winter growth followed by very dry April conditions. They advised against swimming in rivers and reservoirs not designated for bathing because inland water can remain below 16C, causing cold water shock and drowning.

"The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has urged Londoners to take care when using barbecues during the bank holiday weekend as the capital faces its first heatwave of the year. Temperatures are forecast to exceed 30C (86F), while the UK Health Security Agency has issued a yellow heat-health alert for London. LFB Assistant Commissioner Paul McCourt said barbecue fires in April and May are not uncommon and the brigade has previously called for disposable barbecues to be banned in the capital."

"McCourt added: "Please don't have a barbecue on a balcony, or on decking, and please do keep children and pets away from barbecues." Firefighters also warned of an increased risk of grass fires and wildfires: "We had a wetter-than-usual winter, which allowed vegetation to grow, followed by one of the driest Aprils on record. As we head into a week of hot weather, the risk of wildfire is very real," McCourt said."

"He also warned against swimming in rivers and reservoirs not designated for bathing due to the risk of cold shock. "Even in hot weather most inland water in Londonremainsvery cold, and can be below 16C. "This can causecold watershock and lead to drowning.""

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