The LFB responded to two grass fires in Rainham recently and recorded 332 barbecue-related callouts between 2022 and May 2025, with 17 resulting in casualties.
LFB assistant commissioner Pat Goulbourne emphasized the high risk of fires spreading rapidly due to the dry conditions and urged the public to prevent incidents.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber heat-health alert for the entire country from Thursday to Monday, indicating potential impacts on health and social services.
The Met Office reported that UK heatwaves are becoming longer and hotter, with the chance of exceeding 40C now over 20 times more likely than in the 1960s due to escalating climate trends.
