BBQ warning after three grass fires in one day

London Fire Brigade (LFB) has urged people not to use disposable barbecues and to properly extinguish cigarettes after crews tackled three grass fires on Wednesday.

Around 90 firefighters and 14 fire engines were deployed to blazes in Feltham, Rainham and Hayes.

The most serious fire was in Feltham, west London, where around 40 firefighters and six fire engines spent more than five hours working to bring a grass fire under control. Six hectares (60,000 sq m) of heathland close to houses was damaged.

The LFB said: "If you're planning to enjoy the weather over the coming days, either in a park or other open spaces, please don't take a disposable BBQ with you."

The brigade said disposable barbecues "pose a significant fire risk as the heat can be retained for many hours, even after a barbecue has been put out".

They added: "It's also important to make sure that smoking materials are discarded of properly, and either dispose of your rubbish in the appropriate bins or take it home with you if none are available.

"For those having a barbecue at home, avoid doing so on a balcony and ensure your barbecue is away from flammable materials like fences and sheds. You should also avoid setting up your barbecue on any decking you may have in your garden."

Earlier in July, the LFB warned London faces an "extreme" risk from wildfires.

It cited the prolonged dry conditions and the wind speed and direction as factors, and urged people to help prevent wildfires.

The brigade is also asking landowners and local councils to ensure they are managing land properly by creating fire breaks and cutting grass back, particularly near homes.

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