London Fire Brigade (LFB) has warned of the devastating impact wildfires can have on the capital’s green spaces and wildlife, as crews carried out a large-scale training exercise in Richmond Park on 3 July.
In partnership with The Royal Parks charity, firefighters staged a simulated wildfire near sensitive habitats, designed to prepare crews and partners to protect residents, wildlife, and London’s open spaces from the growing wildfire threat linked to climate change.
The scenario recreated a blaze advancing towards the skylark nesting fields — identified as a critical area by The Royal Parks — before simulated winds shifted, pushing the fire uphill towards The Royal Ballet School. Incident commanders had to quickly adapt tactics and redeploy resources, highlighting the challenges posed by unpredictable fire behaviour. Wildlife such as red and fallow deer were also factored into the response, emphasising the need to consider natural migration patterns during an incident.
Crews practised using wildfire beaters to smother flames, water backpacks to access hard-to-reach areas, and drew water from open sources to sustain operations. One of the Brigade’s dedicated wildfire vehicles — part of a four-vehicle trial — was deployed, alongside six fire engines, a command unit, and a hose-layer unit from local stations. They were supported by colleagues from Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, park staff, Metropolitan Police officers, and Royal Parks teams.
The training comes amid a rising wildfire risk following the driest spring in over a century, combined with heatwaves and a warm start to summer. LFB has already responded to around 17 wildfires in 2024, along with many other grass and outdoor fires.
Richmond Borough Commander Rob Davies, who led the exercise, said: “As climate change drives hotter, drier summers, the risk of wildfires in London’s grasslands, woodlands, and parks is growing. This exercise is about more than practising tactics — it’s about defending the landscapes and wildlife that make London unique.”
Residents are reminded to dispose of cigarettes, matches, rubbish, and disposable barbecues safely, as even a small spark in current conditions can quickly ignite grass, shrubs, or litter, escalating into an uncontrollable fire.
