Over the last three weeks, we have had several fires on both Wimbledon Common and Putney Heath. A few we have put out ourselves, but two have required the services of the local fire brigade.
Fortunately there was not too much damage done but it is still relatively early in the year and the ground is not as dry as it can be in mid-summer and this prevented the fires from really taking hold and causing serious damage to the flora and fauna.
But it does go to show, that even now, fire can take hold very easily. It is for this reason that barbeques are not permitted anywhere on the Commons. Please also be careful if you smoke whilst on the Commons - a carelessly discarded cigarette can easily start a fire too.
We want you to enjoy the Commons and we really don't want to be spoilsports and stop your summer fun, but the Commons are an important ecological area and the damage a fire can do to this important habitat can be devastating.
Our thanks go to the firemen of Wandsworth and Wimbledon for their prompt action in getting the recent fires under control so quickly.
