Fire chiefs have warned that UK cities must prepare for bushfires after dozens of “unprecedented” blazes broke out during record temperatures last week.
Temperatures reached 40C (104F) across England last Tuesday in a heatwave that parched green spaces, sparking wildfires that destroyed more than 40 homes and shops.
National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) tactical adviser David Swallow told the BBC that “services need to recognize the risk they face now”.
“If they don’t, they’re naive,” he said. “There are very urban services that think forest fires are at the bottom of the risk list. I understand the need to prioritize resources, but a review is needed.”
According to the NFCC, England and Wales have had 442 bushfires this year alone, compared to 247 last year. This is partly due to climate factors, so fire safety advice should be followed not just during the heatwave, but all year round, the NFCC said.
London fire chief Andy Roe said the fires in the capital last week were unprecedented: “I’ve seen things this week that I didn’t expect to see as a firefighter in London.”
The fire service experienced its busiest day since the second world war as a result of the extreme temperatures, with 1,146 crews to attend in a single day.
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Asked about the experience of the capital’s fire services over the week, Roe said: “I think the word I would use is unprecedented. I’ve had a long operational career at some of the most significant incidents that London has seen in decades, but even with all that experience I’ve seen things this week that I didn’t expect to see as a firefighter in London.”
Sixteen homes were lost in the huge fire in Wennington, east London, and fire crews had to battle to save the nearby fire station itself from the flames.