A recent fire in Beam Parklands has once again highlighted the growing risk of fires in open spaces during the warmer months. 

The fire damaged a significant area of grassland and trees, but thanks to preventative measures already in place — including fire breaks installed by the council’s Parks Team — the spread of the fire was slowed. This allowed the London Fire Brigade to bring it under control and helped minimise the risk to nearby residential properties.

Barking and Dagenham Council has joined forces with the London Fire Brigade and the Police to launch a new campaign aimed at raising awareness of fire risks and encouraging safer behaviour in the borough’s parks and green spaces.

Over the coming months, a series of engagement events will take place in parks across the borough. These events will focus on:

1. Reinforcing the ban on barbecues in parks
2. Explaining how littering — including discarded glass and cigarettes — can lead to fires
3. Showcasing the ongoing work being done to prevent fires and protect green spaces

The events will be supported by the council’s Community Safety and Parks teams, alongside officers from the London Fire Brigade and the Police.

Councillor Kashif Haroon, Cabinet Member for Public Realm and Climate Change said:
“We’ve unfortunately had several fires in our borough in recent years, so it’s important that we all play our part to prevent any further incidents like this.

“Even something as small as a dropped cigarette or glass bottle can start fires, which spread very quickly — especially in the summer months when the grass is exceptionally dry.”

London Fire Brigade Borough Commander for Barking and Dagenham, Blake Betts, said: “This summer is already proving to be the busiest since the wildfires we saw in London in 2022.

“After one of the driest springs on record and a hotter summer than usual so far, the risk of wildfires spreading rapidly is high, so it’s important we do all we can to prevent fires starting in the first place, whether that be accidental or deliberate.

“In preparation for wildfires occurring, we’ve been working closely with Barking and Dagenham Council to take proactive measures such as creating fire breaks and holding engagement events to help protect communities. At the recent fire at Beam Parklands fire breaks helped to stop the spread of the fire to homes, this demonstrates just how vital this partnership working is.

“We look forward to working with the council this summer to help keep residents and businesses safe from fires.”

The full schedule of events can be seen below: