Barnet grass fires prompt London Fire Brigade drought warning
Ten fires broke out across London on 5 August, including one near Edgware that damaged shrubland
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Trust 74: includes named official Patrick Goulbourne, Met Office data, specific figures and dates, but only one source.
Higher is stronger
Critic 87: explains drought impact, quotes commissioner, provides detailed data, but lacks follow‑up actions.
Higher is stronger
Hype 30: headline factual, language mildly emphatic but not sensationalised.
Lower is better
Firefighters tackled a grass fire near Edgware Road in Barnet on 5 August 2026, one of ten such incidents across London that day. The blaze damaged two hectares of shrubland. Crews from Mill Hill, Hendon and surrounding stations extinguished the fire by 9:15 pm.
The London Fire Brigade said the fire near Edgware Road was one of 493 incidents it responded to on 5 August. Control officers took more than 1,000 emergency calls, including over 200 related to grass fires. The brigade described the day as part of a surge in fire activity during the ongoing drought.
Grass fire near Hainault Road in Romford damages three hectares
London Fire Brigade deployed six engines and 40 firefighters to extinguish the blaze within two hours
Drought conditions increase fire risks
Assistant Commissioner Patrick Goulbourne, who leads operational resilience for the London Fire Brigade, said the dry conditions create a high risk of rapid fire spread. He told reporters on 5 August that even a small spark could threaten homes, businesses and infrastructure.
In these dry conditions, it only takes a spark to start a grass fire and they can spread rapidly, quickly threatening homes, workplaces, infrastructure and the environment.
Patrick Goulbourne, Assistant Commissioner, London Fire Brigade
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The Met Office confirmed that England experienced its driest July since records began. Rainfall measured just 4.4mm, matching the previous low set in June 1925. The lack of rain has left grasslands and woodlands across London vulnerable to ignition.
Other fires across London
The largest fire on 5 August occurred near Sandy Lane in Orpington, where two hectares of woodland were damaged. Ten fire engines and 70 firefighters from Orpington, Sidcup and Bexley stations spent 90 minutes bringing the blaze under control. A nearby business was not affected.
In Romford, eight fire engines and 60 firefighters tackled a fire near Oak Street that damaged two hectares of grassland. Crews used wildfire beaters to extinguish the flames. A separate fire in Romford later that day burned three hectares of grassland.
Other fires occurred near Ambleside Drive in Feltham, Lambs Lane North in Rainham, Woolwich, Chessington, Ham and Whitechapel. The London Fire Brigade said it had its busiest 24-hour period of 2026 the previous week, responding to 63 grass fires.
What residents can do
The London Fire Brigade urged residents to avoid using open flames, such as barbecues or fireworks, in parks and woodlands. It also advised against discarding cigarettes or glass bottles, which can magnify sunlight and start fires. Residents who see an unattended fire should call 999 immediately.
The brigade said it is monitoring conditions and has increased staffing at control centres. It is unclear when significant rainfall will occur, but the Met Office has not issued any rain forecasts for the coming week.
Questions this report answers
+How many grass fires did London Fire Brigade attend on 5 August?
London Fire Brigade attended ten grass fires across London on 5 August 2026. One of these occurred near Edgware Road in Barnet, damaging two hectares of shrubland. The brigade also responded to 483 other incidents that day.
+What caused the increase in grass fires?
England recorded its driest July on record, with just 4.4mm of rainfall, according to the Met Office. The London Fire Brigade said the dry conditions mean fires can start easily and spread rapidly, increasing risks to homes and infrastructure.
+What should residents do to prevent grass fires?
The London Fire Brigade advised residents to avoid using open flames, such as barbecues or fireworks, in parks and woodlands. It also warned against discarding cigarettes or glass bottles, which can start fires. Unattended fires should be reported to 999 immediately.
+Will there be more rain soon?
The Met Office has not issued any rain forecasts for the coming week. It is unclear when significant rainfall will occur. The London Fire Brigade said it is monitoring conditions and has increased staffing at control centres.
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