LFB handles record number of calls in 24 hours

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) said it had recorded its highest number of emergency calls over a 24-hour period so far this year, as a third heatwave descends on the capital.

Officers responded to 1251 emergency calls on Sunday, and attended 13 separate blazes, with the most significant incident seeing 80 firefighters and 12 fire engines called to a fire on High Road in Wood Green, where crews remained on site for 12 hours.

The LFB said specialist vehicles are on standby to help tackle blazes this summer, but added the current hot weather poses a heightened risk of wildfires.

Assistant commissioner Patrick Goulbourne said everyone must "play their part" in preventing fires.

The last time LFB handled as many calls was nearly a year ago on 8 July 2025. In total it tackled more than 30 wildfires last year, including fires in Dagenham, Wingletye Lane, Hornchurch and at Walthamstow Marshes.

This year, Goulbourne is warning people not to take disposable barbecues to parks and open spaces.

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

"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."

As GCSE and A-Level exams come to an end, the Brigade is also calling on parents and guardians to make sure young people know how to stay safe around water.

It has launched an interactive water safety map showing the locations where firefighters have attended more than 1,500 water-related incidents since 2020.

Multiple people have died in open water during heatwaves this year, including a teenage boy at Royal Victoria Dock last week.

On Sunday, the third heatwave of the year officially started in London, with temperatures expected to rise up to 34C in the capital on Wednesday and Thursday.

This heatwave is not likely to be as extreme as the one in late June where temperatures peaked at 37.7C, but it is expected to last longer.

Amber heat health alerts have been issued from the UK's Health Security Agency, for London, The Midlands and eastern and southern England. They are valid from 09:00 BST on Wednesday 8th July until 21:00 on Sunday 12th July.

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