Urban Fires in London Studied
- Imperial College scientists studied London's 2022 'firewaves'.
- They found that urban fires in London may have more similarities to rural wildfires than previously thought.
- The study sheds light on the nature of urban fire incidents in a metropolitan city like London.
Scientists at Imperial College London have identified a potential cause for the surge of fires in the city during 2022, attributing it to high levels of vapour pressure deficit (VPD). Professor Guillermo Rein and researcher Jamie John conducted the Heatwaves and Firewaves study, which is currently awaiting peer review. Their research was prompted by concerns over the unusually high number of fires in London, with the London Fire Brigade (LFB) acknowledging that climate change is likely to lead to more extreme weather events. The study represents a pioneering effort to quantify the relationship between heatwaves and urban wildfires. VPD, which measures the atmosphere's capacity to extract moisture from the land, emerged as the primary factor contributing to wildfires, followed by relative humidity and maximum daily temperature. Notably, while VPD is not currently recorded by the UK’s Met Office, the agency does monitor relative humidity and temperature, which could aid in fire prevention efforts. The researchers emphasized the importance of forecasting VPD levels, suggesting that if predictions indicate a potential exceedance, fire brigades could be placed on higher alert. This proactive approach could enhance preparedness for fire outbreaks. The implications of this research extend beyond London, raising awareness of the potential for similar extreme events in the future. A spokesperson for the LFB highlighted the global nature of wildfire threats, particularly in urban settings like London, where complex risks arise from both built environments and vulnerable natural areas. The devastating impact of the 2022 heatwave underscored the need for improved forecasting and response strategies.