London firefighters respond to around 400 weather related calls
Its as a series of intense thunderstorms struck the capital
Last updated 7 hours ago
London Fire Brigade has taken around 400 calls since midnight (23 June) after a series of intense thunderstorms struck the capital.
Firefighters across the city have been responding to numerous flooding calls, mostly affecting properties. At least two house fires have also been attended, suspected to have been triggered by lightning strikes.
Some areas were also hit by flash flooding, including roads. Drivers are asked not to drive through floodwater and take extra care. A foot of moving water at just 6mph is enough to float a car. Always try and find an alternative route and make sure to check your journey before travelling.
Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne said: “It has been a very busy night for our Control Officers, firefighters and officers. Shortly after 0400 hrs, due to a large number of calls received by the Brigade, we implemented our High-Volume Call procedure which means flooding calls where there is a risk to life are prioritised and crews then attend other calls as non-emergencies when they can.
“Operation Willow Beck was also temporarily stood up. Introduced in 2022 nationally by the Home Office and National Chiefs Fire Council, this is a pre-determined 999 call distribution procedure, which during times of extreme demand, can divert surplus emergency calls to unaffected fire and rescue service control rooms. I’d like to thank all of those colleagues in other fire rescue services who assisted us overnight, as well as our own staff for their hard work and professionalism during this busy period.
“Whilst the worst of the rain now seems to have passed, we continue to work through outstanding calls as well as receive new incidents as Londoners wake to see some of the damage caused by the storms overnight.
“We’d like to reassure Londoners that crews are available to respond to emergencies so please call 999 if you have to.”
If your property is flooding, you should:
Call 999 if you are in immediate danger. Follow the advice of the operator and if you are told to evacuate, do so
If you don’t evacuate when you are told you may be putting yourself and those people attempting to rescue you in greater danger
If you do evacuate, make sure you bring your grab bag with you. This should contain the essential items you’d need if you left your home
Turn off your gas supply, water and electricity supply, if it is possible and safe to do so