London Fire Brigade (LFB) has been called to more than 1,300 incidents in the past week, many with potential to become wildfires due to dry conditions, as Mayor Sadiq Khan warns the threat is now 'on London's doorstep.'
Mayor's warning and current risk
Sir Sadiq Khan said the threat of major wildfires is no longer 'faraway' but on the capital's 'doorstep,' as swathes of green spaces in France and Spain burn. Hundreds of thousands have been evacuated in those nations. The UK Health Security Agency issued an amber heat-health alert for London, with temperatures reaching 33°C on July 29. The Met Office's Fire Severity Index shows 'very high' risk until Sunday, with 'exceptionally high' risk in Bromley, Croydon, and Thamesmead.
Recent incidents and historical context
LFB handled 2,729 emergency calls between July 24 and 26 alone, including 473 incidents on July 25. These included a large flat fire in Mitcham and a grass fire destroying 10 acres in Rainham. London experienced devastating wildfires in 2018 on Wanstead Flats and in 2022 during a heatwave, when 19 homes were destroyed in Wennington. Last year saw 83 recorded wildfires in June, July, and August, the highest since 2022.
Funding and preparedness concerns
The London Assembly Fire Committee wrote to the Mayor on July 29 seeking assurances on LFB's 'funding, operational capacity, specialist equipment and resilience' for multiple simultaneous wildfires. Committee Chair Anne Clarke said: 'The wildfires we have seen cause havoc across Spain and France have highlighted the devastating effect wildfires can have. London is no longer immune to these risks.' City Hall allocated £251.5 million for 2026-27, up £20 million, but Liberal Democrat Assembly Member Hina Bokhari expressed concern: 'Climate change is hitting home, and this is no time to run the London Fire Brigade on a shoestring.' She called for sustainable funding for specialist wildfire training.
LFB response and public advice
LFB has specialist Terrain Support Vehicles on standby. Assistant Commissioner Pam Oparaocha said: 'Extended periods of hot and dry weather can greatly increase the risk of a grass fire... The rapid spread of fire can be particularly worrying if it is in the direction of homes and livelihoods.' She urged local authorities to create fire breaks and the public to take care with barbecues. A Mayor's spokesperson said: 'The Mayor’s record investment in London Fire Brigade has ensured that it is now better prepared, organised and equipped to fight wildfires... This includes improved training, new specialist wildfire response vehicles and the use of drones.'
