The Brigade took 1,251 calls yesterday (6th July)
Yesterday, London Fire Brigade’s Control Officers had their busiest 24 hour period so far this year, taking 1,251 calls in total to incidents across the capital.
The last time the Brigade took as many calls was almost one year ago, on 8th July 2025.
With more hot weather expected over the coming days and an elevated risk of wildfires as assessed by the Natural Hazards Partnership, the Brigade is asking Londoners to play their part in preventing incidents by taking extra care around parks, open spaces and waterways.
The high call volume already being experienced by the Brigade comes during another heatwave, which brings with it a heightened risk of wildfires in London and could lead more Londoners to cool off in waterways. In anticipation, the Brigade is asking Londoners to take extra care in the hot weather to keep themselves and others safe.
Assistant Commissioner for Operational Resilience and Control Patrick Goulbourne said: “In the last 24 hours, Control Officers took a record number of calls for 2026 so far, and I want to thank them for their efforts in keeping Londoners safe.
“Due to the heightened risks to Londoners during this period of hot weather, we are constantly monitoring where our resources need to be so we’re ready to keep London safe in an emergency. We have also ensured that our specialist Terrain Support Vehicles are ready to tackle any fires in the open, and our water rescue capability is prepared for any emergency involving London’s 370 miles of waterways.
“The Brigade is ready and prepared to respond to all types of incidents, but we urge everyone to play their part in preventing them. Wildfires, in particular, can take significant time and resources to resolve and can have devastating impacts on communities and livelihoods.”
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.
With many teenagers finished with their GCSE and A-Level exams, the Brigade is also calling on parents, teachers and guardians to make sure young people know how to stay safe around water. Since 2020 there have been over 100 accidental drownings across the capital, including the tragic death of a teenage boy at Royal Victoria Dock last week.
Assistant Commissioner Goulbourne continued: “In this weather, it can be tempting for children and young people to cool off in rivers, reservoirs and lakes. However, this can be incredibly dangerous.
“Many Londoners, including parents, are not aware that despite its calm surface, open water can have strong currents, hidden debris, slippery edges, and sudden drops in depth – all of which could prove fatal.
“If you are planning to swim outdoors, do so only in designated areas and ensure that lifeguards and safety equipment are present.”
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