Record number of large grass fires in London

London has been hit by a record number of large grass fires this year, as the heatwave inflicts the driest conditions for decades.

Already this year, fire crews have been called to 41 large grass fires – defined as requiring three or more engines – compared to just seven such fires in the whole of 2017.

The London Fire Brigade said grass has been “extremely dry”, but many blazes were caused by discarded matches, unattended barbecues and dumped glass bottles.