London’s fire service is urging people across the capital to clear their gardens and outdoor areas during the spring months to reduce the chances of serious grass fires as warmer weather arrives.
The campaign comes as predictions indicate hotter, drier conditions will prevail throughout the city, raising the risk of wildfires caused by dried-out foliage, garden clippings and overgrown vegetation.
By the end of August 2025, London had recorded 122 wildfires, which is double the number from 2023 and represents the highest figure since the extreme heat of 2022.
Most of these incidents occurred in the outskirts of the capital, where boroughs on the city’s periphery experienced considerably more grass fires than those in central areas. Between 2022 and 2025, these outer boroughs recorded over 6,000 grass fires, while inner London areas reported fewer than 1,800.
Havering topped the list with 536 incidents, followed by Bexley with 494, Bromley with 462, Hillingdon with 419 and Enfield with 404.
Deputy Commissioner Spencer Sutcliff stated that as summer draws near, the service is looking at approaches to reduce grass fire dangers and how members of the public can help with prevention. He explained that prolonged spells of hot, dry weather significantly increase grass fire risks, especially when vegetation becomes very dry and flames can spread rapidly. This becomes particularly concerning when fires threaten homes and livelihoods, making proactive efforts to lower risk crucial.
The fire service is calling on homeowners, councils and landowners to clear away dry vegetation and garden waste.
An effective precaution involves creating fire breaks, which are cleared strips that can slow or stop fire advancement.
Mr Sutcliff said that carrying out spring clean-ups offers two benefits: it keeps gardens and shared spaces tidy while also improving community safety. Grass fires can move quickly across parks and open spaces towards nearby houses. By putting in fire breaks, removing dry material and storing waste safely, people can help protect their homes, neighbourhoods and local wildlife. Garden refuse should be placed in sealed containers and disposed of regularly and correctly. It should not be left to dry out near houses, fences or pathways. These small steps make a real difference to keeping communities safe.
In June, crews called to a grass fire on Wigley Road in Feltham successfully used fire breaks to stop the flames from reaching neighbouring properties. The London Fire Brigade also warned that barbecues, bonfires and outdoor heating equipment pose additional dangers during warm periods when used close to dry grass or heathland.