Winnie Agbonlahor

Record heat and drought have increased the risk of grassfires across London’s parks, with the London Fire Brigade attending 63 grass fires in a single day during July. The Royal Parks are cutting grass short to create firebreaks, bringing forward hay cuts, warning visitors about litter and swimming, and using boreholes and ponds instead of mains water. To prepare for sudden flooding after heavy rain, managers have enlarged ponds and added ditches and leaky dams. Longer-term measures include cultivating meadows, drought-tolerant wildflowers and scrub to retain soil moisture, support biodiversity and improve resilience to hotter summers.

London firefighters have joined a UK International Search and Rescue team in Venezuela following two powerful earthquakes that killed more than 1,700 people and caused widespread structural collapse. The team, supported by rescue dogs and local residents, faces extreme humidity, devastated infrastructure and significant logistical challenges while searching the rubble for survivors. Officials describe the quakes as the worst natural disaster in Venezuela’s history, as families continue to dig through debris while awaiting heavy machinery.

Seven London firefighters are assisting UK International Search and Rescue teams in Venezuela after two major earthquakes killed more than 1,700 people and destroyed hundreds of buildings. The team, led by Ian Simpson, is working with rescue dogs and local residents despite extreme humidity and severely damaged infrastructure. Families continue to search debris for trapped loved ones as heavy machinery is awaited. Mental health support is being provided for rescuers confronting widespread devastation.