London Fire Brigade has raised concerns that the number of deliberate fires could rise over the summer holidays amid a sustained dry spell and following a significant grass fire in Feltham last week believed to have been started deliberately.

The Brigade has said it is concerned that the number of deliberate grass fires could spike particularly given the period of hot weather London has seen which has made the ground tinder dry and is expected to continue.

Firefighters have already attended more than 425 deliberate grass and open land fires this year, including on Hatton Road in Feltham last week, which saw around six hectares of land damaged by the blaze.

Firefighters have taken action by sharing fire safety advice with young people and their families at community events over the summer. They are now asking parents and carers to help by speaking to their children about the dangers of setting fires in a bid to protect the capital’s parks and green spaces.

Assistant Commissioner for Fire Safety, Charlie Pugsley, said the Brigade are seeing too many fires being started deliberately: “The last few years has certainly shown us how important our parks and green spaces are, with many of us spending more time than ever outdoors with friends and loved ones, so we need Londoners to help look after them.

“Whilst the dry and sunny spells of weather will be great for families looking to spend time outside over the summer holidays, it also means that the risk of grass fires is going to increase as the ground becomes dryer. Talk to your children about how dangerous it is to play with fire, keep matches and lighters out of sight and if you’re worried about a child or young person who has set fires get in touch with our Firesetters Intervention Scheme (FIS).”

Amber alert

The MET office has issued an Amber Alert for extreme heat across southern parts of the UK. The hot spell will develop across parts of England and Wales later this week.

On what to expect the alert said:

• Adverse health effects are likely to be experienced by those vulnerable to extreme heat
• The wider population are likely to experience some adverse health effects including sunburn or heat exhaustion (dehydration, nausea, fatigue) and other heat related illnesses
• Some changes in working practices and daily routines likely to be required
• An increased chance that some heat-sensitive systems and equipment may fail.
• More people are likely to visit coastal areas, lakes, rivers and other beauty spots leading to an increased risk of water safety and fire-related incidents.
• Some delays to road, rail and air travel are possible, with potential for welfare issues for those who experience prolonged delays