Police officers responded to a series of fires reported at around 05:00 on Saturday in London Fields park, east London, near Lansdowne Drive, Hackney. A man in his 50s was taken into custody on suspicion of arson, setting fires and possession of a Class A drug.
The London Fire Brigade swiftly tackled the incident, putting out "The London Fire Brigade quickly extinguished around ten fires, all within London Fields," as confirmed in a Metropolitan Police statement. No injuries were reported.
Investigations identified the suspect as Isaac Shozi, 50, of Bodney Road, Hackney. He has been charged with arson, remanded in custody and is due to appear at Barkingside Magistrates' Court on Monday.
Detective Superintendent Liz Cumber, who leads policing in central east London, warned of the heightened danger: "No one can be in any doubt about the dangers of starting fires, particularly following the recent hot weather and heightened risk of wildfires." She added that even small fires can spread rapidly, endangering people, buildings and open spaces, and that the police will work closely with the London Fire Brigade to investigate and prosecute those responsible.
The incident follows a nationwide emergency wildlife alert issued by the Government, urging the public not to light anything that could spark a wildfire. Similar advisories have been issued by Canadian park authorities and U.S. fire agencies during recent heatwaves, urging visitors to avoid open flames in dry conditions.
This summer has been record‑setting for the UK. On Thursday, the Met Office recorded the year's highest temperature of 38.1 °C at Kew Gardens. London’s parks have been described as "tinderbox" parched lands, a description underscored by a wildfire that tore through Hornchurch Country Park on Friday evening.
Data from the National Fire Chiefs Council show that more than 1,000 wildfires have been recorded in England and Wales so far this year – the same total as last year’s record‑breaking figure.
First reported by the source report.