London’s last barbecue-friendly parks announce bans amid 'extreme' wildfire threat

London’s last barbecue-friendly parks announce bans amid 'extreme' wildfire threatA London Council has been forced to ‘close its barbecue season’ as the London Fire Brigade upgrade the risk of wildfires in the capital

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London’s last barbecue-friendly parks have announced bans amid the “extreme” wildfire threat.

Camden Council, which is the only council to permit barbecuing in its parks in London, has made the decision to “close its barbecue season” this year.

This will mean barbecues are no longer permitted at the last remaining outdoor grilling spots Cantelowes Gardens, Russell Square, and Lincoln’s Inn Fields.

All three locations were managed and operated by Camden Council, though it is not yet clear if the ban is permanent or temporary.

London's last barbecue-friendly spot announces banGetty Images

It comes just days after the London Fire Brigade upgraded the risk of wildfire from “elevated” to “extreme”.

The brigade warned Londoners against using disposable barbecues, both at home and in open spaces.

In the capital, there were just a handful of locations where open grilling was still permitted. Several locations such as London Fields have chosen to outlaw barbecues in recent years.

However, Camden Council’s decision to ban barbecuing will mean that Londoners will now be limited to using electric hotplates at Paradise Park in Islington and Burgess Park in Southwark, or one of two barbecue stands at Roundshaw Park in Sutton.

Camden Council has previously resisted calls to permanently outlaw barbecuing at Waterlow Park last year.

But it was forced to suspend the use of barbecues in July after the park was overrun with crowds of revellers using barbecues and hosting parties.

The London Fire Brigade warned that dry grass caused by the hot weather can lead to wildfires starting and spreading very quickly, putting people, wildlife and homes in danger.

The majority of wildfires are caused by human behaviour, according to the LFB.

London has seen two wildfires over the last four days, both trackside at Tube stations in Walthamstow and Stratford.

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Experts have warned that wildfires are likely to become more frequent in London due to climate change.