London Fire Brigade has issued a warning around disposable barbecues after dozens of firefighters spent an afternoon tackling a blaze which caused smoke to billow into the sky.
Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters were scrambled to tackle a grass fire in Rammey Marsh, Enfield, at around 12.12pm on Sunday (August 4).
The blaze was producing a large amount of smoke which could be seen on the M25 and A10.
Crews from Enfield, Chingford, and Tottenham were supported by firefighters from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service and Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Around four hectares of grass was alight, with crews making steady progress through the afternoon to extinguish the fire.
Firefighters were supported at the scene by a bulk water unit, which is being piloted this summer.
Bulk water units are able to carry 8,000 litres of water to incidents, allowing firefighters to tackle fires more effectively in areas where water supplies are absent or ineffective, as can be the case with grass or wildfires.
London Fire Brigade is also trialling new wildfire response vehicles which have off-road capabilities and technology that allows firefighters to pump water while driving, enabling them to fight an outdoor fire more quickly and safely.
Station commander Scott Thorpe, who was at the scene, said crews worked hard to tackle the fire which was under control by 3.15pm.
He said the blaze caused a large amount of smoke in the surrounding area.
Motorists using junction 25 of the M25 and the A10 area surrounding Mollison Avenue were advised to drive cautiously while crews were at the scene.
Craig Carter, LFB's assistant commissioner for prevention and protection, said: "We know many Londoners will want to enjoy the nice weather by visiting a park or open space.
"However, we’re asking people not to take disposable barbecues with them as they can cause grass fires, especially in hot weather when the ground is dry.
"These fires are unpredictable and can spread rapidly, causing a significant amount of damage.
"Don’t be tempted to barbecue on your balcony either. Balconies can contain combustible materials which can pose a risk to those barbecuing and others living nearby.
"If you are having a barbecue, never leave it unattended and be careful where it’s positioned. Aim for level ground and keep barbecues well away from anything flammable like sheds, fences, trees or tents."
Discarded smoking materials and leftover rubbish also pose a huge fire risk, LFB said.
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