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Wildfire warning issued over disposable barbecues

News imageGetty Images An elevated wide shot of a scorched, blackened field in London following a grass fire. In the background, suburban houses and a construction site with cranes lead to the distant city skyline under a cloudy sky.Getty Images
London experienced several wildfires last summer

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."

News imageGetty Images Sausages seen cooking on a disposable barbecue with black tongs about to pick one up. A long grassy area is visible in the backgroundGetty Images
The LFB warned Londoners not to use barbecues in the city's parklands

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 London remains very cold, and can be below 16°C.

"This can cause cold water shock and lead to drowning."

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