Firefighters are issuing safety advice following a grass fire near Bostall Hill in Plumstead.
Approximately one hectare of grass and woodland was alight. Crews used wildfire beaters to help extinguish the fire. Due to the remote location of the fire, a water relay system was required as part of firefighting operations. The appliances were stationed between the incident site and the nearest water hydrant, and then connected together by hose. This allowed crews to pump a constant supply of water to the scene of the fire.
The Brigade was called at 1542 and the fire was extinguished by 1803. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Plumstead, Erith and Bexley fire stations attended the scene.
Londoners are being reminded that it only takes a small spark to ignite grass, shrubs, or litter and with the dry weather conditions that London has been seeing and will continue to see, any fire can quickly get out of control. Grass and land fires are commonly caused by discarded cigarettes and matches, rubbish left lying around and disposable barbecues.
Safety advice:
Disposable BBQs
- If you are visiting an open park or space, please do not take a disposable barbecue with you – in fact disposable BBQs are banned in many of London’s parks and you can be fined £100 if you are caught ignoring this ban.
- Disposable BBQs should also not be used indoors, on a balcony or in close proximity to flammable items like sheds and fences.
- Disposable BBQs can cause grass fires, especially when the ground is dry. They pose a significant fire risk if they are not used appropriately and extinguished properly because the heat can be retained for many hours even after a barbeque has been put out.
BBQ safety at home or in a designated public area
- Position your BBQ outdoors, on level ground (not decking) and keep it well away from anything that may catch fire such as sheds, fences, or trees.
- Avoid distractions from people around you and never leave the BBQ unattended.
- Avoid drinking alcohol if you are in charge of the BBQ.
- Keep children, pets and garden games a safe distance from the BBQ.
- After cooking, make sure the BBQ is cool before moving or cleaning.
- Empty ashes onto bare garden soil, not into dustbins or wheelie bins. If they’re hot, they can melt the plastic and start a fire.
- Keep a bucket of water, sand or a garden hose nearby for emergencies.
Smoking
- Discarded smoking materials pose a huge fire risk. If you have had a cigarette, please make sure that it is completely out.
- Never throw cigarette ends out of car windows.
- If you are smoking on your balcony, have an ashtray to hand, and don’t flick your ashes off the balcony.
Rubbish
- Leftover rubbish poses a huge fire risk. People are asked to ensure their rubbish is placed securely inside a bin or to take it home with them.
- Don’t leave bottles or glass in woodland or open spaces – sunlight shining through glass can start fires (take them home and recycle them).
