Huge hearth breaks out close to Alexandra Palace as components of UK transfer nearer to drought

Road closures are in place as firefighters remain on scene near Alexandra Palace Way in Wood Green, damping down hot spots and people are urged to avoid the area where possible

More than 40 firefighters tackled a huge blaze that broke out near London’s “Ally Pally.” Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters tackled a grass fire near Alexandra Palace Way in Wood Green.

Around half an acre of compost and garden waste was involved in the fire. There were no reports of any injuries. Road closures are in place as firefighters remain on scene damping down hot spots and people are urged to avoid the area where possible.

A fire service spokesperson said one of the Brigade’s Terrain Support Vehicles has been sent to the scene to support firefighting operations. The vehicle provides off-road capability enabling the transportation of additional equipment closer to fires on open ground.

Each vehicle carries approximately 475 litres of water, a backpack blower, ear defenders, beaters and misting lance technology, which allows firefighters to pump water and drive, enabling them to tackle grass fires more quickly and safely.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “During periods of dry and sustained extreme heat, the chance of wildfires spreading rapidly is high. The Brigade is ready and prepared to respond to all types of incidents, but we urge everyone to play their part to prevent incidents, such as wildfires, which can be time-consuming to resolve and have devastating impacts on livelihoods, occurring in the first place.

“If you’re planning to enjoy the weather over the coming days either in a park or other open spaces, please don’t take a disposable BBQ with you. They pose a significant fire risk as the heat can be retained for many hours, even after a barbecue has been put out. 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.

“For those having a BBQ at home, avoid doing so on a balcony and ensure your BBQ is away from flammable materials like fences and sheds. You should also avoid setting up your BBQ on any decking you may have in your garden.”

The Brigade’s Control Officers took the first of 20 calls to the fire at 1241 and sent crews from Kentish Town, Holloway, Tottenham, Islington and Hornsey fire stations to the scene. The fire was under control by 1457.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

It comes as drought has been declared in North Wales and the Upper Severn, following record dry conditions, heatwaves, wildfires and dwindling rivers, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) said.

It is the first part of the UK to declare drought status, after widespread dry weather and record-breaking heatwaves have hit swathes of the country this summer.

Many parts of England are in prolonged dry weather status as the country has received just 3% of its average July rainfall, with hosepipe bans in place for 23 million customers and suppliers warning they may stay in place all summer.

Wildfires have been raging in a number of places in England, while Scotland has also been hit by a major wildfire in the Cairngorms, and in the Republic of Ireland, a nationwide hosepipe ban is in place in response to the dry conditions.

This summer’s dry conditions follow last year’s drought summer, as the UK increasingly faces more extreme weather fuelled by human-caused climate change, mostly from burning fossil fuels.

As warm weather continues, yellow heat health alerts – warning of minor impacts for health and social care services have been issued in England for the East Midlands, West Midlands, South East, South West, East of England, and London running from 9am on Friday to 9am on Sunday.