Wildfire Warnings Issued by Council and Fire Brigade in Ealing 2026

Key Points

• Ealing Council and London Fire Brigade Issue Urgent Wildfire Alerts: Due to the present weather, which is both dry and hot, wildfires alerts have been issued by Ealing Council and London Fire Brigade (LFB).
• Incident History: Fires have happened in Ealing parks, including Perivale Park, Horsenden Hill, and Gunnersbury Park.
• Restriction Notice: Ealing Council has imposed a temporary ban on barbecues and bonfires in all its allotments.
• Current Measures: All barbecues are not allowed in all Ealing parks.
• Safety Measure: Residents are advised to be very careful, considering that grass fires are mainly caused by cigarette butts, glass bottles, and disposable barbecues.
• In Case of Emergency: One is advised to relocate to safety and dial 999 immediately.

Ealing (Extra London News) August 10, 2026 – Escalating concerns over the risk of wildfires in west London have prompted Ealing Council and the London Fire Brigade (LFB) to issue urgent warnings to the public, as a prolonged spell of hot and dry weather has left local green spaces highly susceptible to rapidly spreading flames.

Why have Ealing Council and the London Fire Brigade issued these warnings now?

The warnings come following a series of recent fire incidents within the borough’s parks and open spaces. As reported by Ian Miller of EALING.NEWS, firefighters have already been required to attend and extinguish blazes at Perivale Park and Horsenden Hill in Perivale, as well as at Gunnersbury Park. These incidents have highlighted the vulnerability of local vegetation, which has been dried out by the persistent sunshine, creating a tinderbox environment where even minor negligence can result in significant property and environmental damage.

What new restrictions have been introduced to combat the risk of fires?

In an effort to prevent further outbreaks, Ealing Council has taken immediate action by imposing a temporary ban on all barbecues and bonfires across its allotments. While barbecues were already prohibited in public parks across the borough, this extension to allotments reflects the gravity of the current situation.

Beyond formal bans, the council and the London Fire Brigade are appealing to visitors to take personal responsibility. This includes requests to avoid leaving glass bottles in grassed areas—which can magnify sunlight and start fires—to take all litter home if bins are full, and to ensure that cigarette butts are disposed of in a safe and responsible manner.

What does the London Fire Brigade say about the current danger?

The danger posed by grass fires is significant, particularly due to the speed at which they can spread. Patrick Goulbourne, London Fire Brigade assistant commissioner for operational resilience and control, emphasised the scale of the threat. As noted in the report by Ian Miller for EALING.NEWS, Mr Goulbourne stated:

“In these dry conditions, it only takes a spark to start a grass fire and they can spread rapidly, quickly threatening homes, workplaces, infrastructure and the environment.”

Mr Goulbourne further appealed to the community for cooperation, adding: “That’s why we’re asking Londoners to play their part in protecting London, and our emergency resources, by taking extra care around green spaces.”

He specifically highlighted the risks associated with disposable barbecues, which are a common feature of summer outings but present a hidden danger.

“If you’re heading to a park or open space to enjoy the sunshine, please don’t take a disposable barbecue with you. Even after they have been extinguished, they can retain heat for many hours and pose a serious fire risk,”

Mr Goulbourne warned.

Additionally, the London Fire Brigade is offering guidance to those choosing to host barbecues in private gardens. Residents are strongly advised to keep all cooking equipment well away from fences, sheds, trees, and any other combustible materials that could easily catch fire if an ember or stray spark escapes.

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How is Ealing Council responding to the environmental threat?

The local authority is treating the situation with high priority, given the potential impact on public safety and the borough’s biodiversity. Councillor Lauren Wall, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for thriving communities, expressed relief that the recent incidents were not more severe.

As reported by Ian Miller of EALING.NEWS, Councillor Wall remarked: “We’ve all seen on the news how devastating a wildfire can be and we are fortunate that the recent fires in our parks were not worse.”

Councillor Wall also acknowledged the efforts being made by those on the ground to mitigate the danger. “Our park rangers and volunteers from the community have been working hard to reduce the risk. We’re also asking the public to play its part in keeping everyone who uses our parks and open spaces safe,” she stated.

What should residents do if they witness a fire?

Emergency services are clear on the protocol for any member of the public who happens upon a fire. The primary instruction from both Ealing Council and the London Fire Brigade is to prioritise personal safety above all else. Individuals are advised to ensure they are at a safe distance from the fire and any burning vegetation before taking any further action.

Once in a secure location, residents are instructed to call 999 immediately. Prompt reporting is considered essential to allow the London Fire Brigade to deploy resources quickly, which is critical in preventing small grass fires from escalating into major wildfires that could threaten residential areas or critical infrastructure.

As the hot weather continues, the authorities maintain that vigilance is the best defence. Residents are being encouraged to keep up to date with further safety advice from the council as the summer season progresses and the environmental conditions remain under review. The collaborative approach between council officials and the fire services underscores a concerted effort to ensure the safety of Ealing’s seven towns, ensuring that the community can continue to enjoy the borough’s green spaces safely throughout the remainder of the summer.