Three grass fires in 24 hours as London hits 33C

London Fire Brigade (LFB) responded to three grass fires within 24 hours as temperatures peaked at 33. 3C (91F), the highest in the UK. Around 70 firefighters tackled a significant fire at Wanstead Flats in north-east London, following a similar incident in the area the night before. A separate grass fire in Northolt required the efforts of 60 firefighters and spanned approximately three hectares (7. 4 acres).

An LFB spokesperson reported that four hectares (9. 8 acres) of grassland were alight at Wanstead Flats, emphasizing their commitment to controlling the blaze. Crews remained on-site to ensure the fire was fully extinguished after being brought under control by 16:00 BST. The Met Office confirmed that Northolt recorded the highest temperature in the country that day. Several areas in London and southern England have met heatwave criteria, marking three consecutive days above threshold temperatures.

The rising temperatures and resultant fires highlight the increasing challenges posed by climate conditions in urban areas.