Disposable barbecue sparks Mitcham grass fire as wildfires hit record high
London Fire Brigade warns of risks after 60 firefighters tackle blaze near Commonside East
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Sixty firefighters from the London Fire Brigade tackled a grass fire near Commonside East in Mitcham on 13 August after a disposable barbecue ignited shrubs and grassland. The blaze, reported at 1.46pm, spread across approximately one hectare before crews brought it under control by 2.51pm.
Firefighters from Mitcham, Norbury, Wimbledon and surrounding stations used wildfire beaters to smother the flames. The London Fire Brigade said the heat from disposable barbecues can remain dangerous for hours, even after appearing extinguished. A spokesperson added that cigarettes must also be disposed of properly to prevent fires.
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Record wildfires prompt calls for restrictions
The incident occurred as England and Wales matched last year’s record of 1,017 wildfires, according to the National Fire Chiefs Council. The UK recorded its highest temperature of the year so far on 13 August, with 38.1°C provisionally recorded in Kew Gardens, the Met Office said.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has urged major retailers to halt sales of disposable barbecues during hot weather. Most UK supermarkets have already suspended sales voluntarily. Burnham warned that extreme heat conditions could persist for weeks after chairing a Cobra committee meeting on the prolonged dry spell.
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If you’re planning to enjoy the warmer weather over the coming days either in a park or other open spaces, please don’t take a disposable BBQ with you! As this incident sadly proves they pose a significant fire risk.
London Fire Brigade spokesperson
What residents can do
The London Fire Brigade advised against using disposable barbecues in parks or open spaces. It also warned that rubbish, including cigarettes, should be disposed of in bins or taken home if none are available. The Brigade said the heat from barbecues can linger for hours, posing a fire risk even after they appear extinguished.
No formal ban on disposable barbecues has been announced. However, retailers have begun restricting sales voluntarily following guidance from the National Fire Chiefs Council. It is unclear whether further measures will be introduced if hot, dry conditions continue.
Questions this report answers
+How many firefighters were sent to the Mitcham grass fire?
The London Fire Brigade sent 60 firefighters in eight fire engines to tackle the grass fire near Commonside East, Mitcham, on 13 August. The blaze was brought under control by 2.51pm after spreading across one hectare of land.
+What caused the Mitcham grass fire?
The London Fire Brigade said the fire near Commonside East, Mitcham, was caused by a disposable barbecue. The heat from such barbecues can remain dangerous for hours, even after they appear extinguished.
+How many wildfires have there been in England and Wales this year?
England and Wales have recorded 1,017 wildfires so far this year, matching last year’s record total, according to the National Fire Chiefs Council. The figure reflects prolonged hot and dry conditions across the UK.
+What is being done to prevent wildfires from disposable barbecues?
Most major UK supermarkets have voluntarily suspended sales of disposable barbecues following guidance from the National Fire Chiefs Council. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has urged all retailers to halt sales during hot weather, but no formal ban has been introduced.
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