Safety Warning Issued After Horsenden Hill Blaze

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Fire Brigade and Council urge extra care due to risk of wildfires

An specialist off-road vehicle was used to tackle the fire. Picture: London Fire Brigade

July 16, 2026

Ealing Council and the London Fire Brigade have issued a joint warning urging residents to take extra care in parks and open spaces following a fire at Horsenden Hill in Perivale last weekend.

Six fire engines were called to the scene on Saturday, 11 July, supported by a drone and an off-road vehicle, after flames spread rapidly through dry grassland. The incident comes amid a ‘severe’ wildfire risk across London, with the Fire Brigade warning that the ongoing heatwave and prolonged dry weather have made fires far more likely to ignite and spread quickly.

Visitors are being reminded that disposable barbecues are banned in all Ealing parks and open spaces. Council park rangers and the Park Guard team will intervene if anyone is found using them.

Fire prevention advice

Authorities have issued clear guidance to help reduce the risk of further fires:

• Do not use barbecues in parks or open spaces.
• Do not leave glass bottles behind, as they can magnify sunlight and start fires.
• If bins are full, take rubbish home.
• Dispose of cigarettes responsibly or use a portable ashtray.
• If you see a fire, move to a safe distance and call 999 immediately.

Ealing Council’s parks team has increased patrols in high-risk areas and begun cutting longer grass earlier than scheduled. Crews have also created fire breaks — strips of cleared vegetation designed to slow or stop the spread of flames.

Councillor Lauren Wall, cabinet member for thriving communities, thanked firefighters for their swift response and urged residents to follow safety advice.

“Given the prolonged hot and dry weather, wildfires can start and spread rapidly,” she said. “While council teams are taking action to reduce the risk, residents can also help by not using barbecues in our parks and open spaces or leaving bottles around.”

For further guidance on preventing wildfires, visit the London Fire Brigade’s official safety page: Wildfires – protecting your home and garden.

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