LONDON is at risk of “sleepwalking into regular fires and floods,” Sadiq Khan warned today following calls from the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) for more resources to fight the worsening effects of global warming.

The capital’s Labour mayor, who has praised the “incredible efforts” of firefighters, acknowledged the scale of the challenge they face. 

But, when questioned by Green Party London Assembly Member Zack Polanski, the former Tooting MP failed to commit to providing fire-and-rescue services with additional funding to cope with extreme weather events.

The city saw unprecedented demand for firefighters during the summer as sweltering temperatures topped 40°C for the first time in many parts of Britain.

The soaring heat sparked significant blazes in and around the capital, leading to London Fire Brigade’s busiest day since World War II.

More severe flooding can also follow periods of dry weather as scorched soil struggles to absorb rain water. 

The FBU, which is currently preparing to ballot more than 30,000 of its members for national strike action over years of real terms pay cuts, has issued repeated warnings about “complacency in government” over climate change. 

Mr Polanski said: “We are fortunate in London to have such a dedicated and skilled fire brigade, but the unions clearly need new investment to answer the threats posed by the climate emergency.

“The mayor can say he has kept funding stable against cuts, but we all know that there is more investment needed and a pound spent on prevention will always be better than many more spent on recovery.

“The government also have their part to play – this is a national crisis, and an enlarged London Fire Brigade would be well placed to help provide support to other parts of the country.”