Public urged to take all steps possible to prevent wildfires ahead of lockdown easing

As the country prepares for the gradual easing of lockdown, the Countryside Alliance has published its advice on wildfire prevention.

On 29^th March 2021, outdoor gatherings of either 6 people or 2 households will hopefully be possible. This is most welcome, and no doubt many people will be heading out into the countryside to celebrate being reunited with friends and family after a considerable time apart.

However, as we approach this important date, the Countryside Alliance would like to remind members of the public of the dangers of wildfires, and the important part they can play in their prevention.

Wildfires have the capability to devastate farmland, wildlife and protected habitats, as well as the lives of people living and working in rural communities. The risk at springtime is particularly prevalent as dead vegetation left over from the winter, higher temperatures and lower humidity levels can come together with deadly effect. Only this week, firefighters spent two and a half hours tackling a blaze on Saddleworth Moor, near the village of Diggle. This follows two previous wildfires on the moor, the most recent of which was in February 2019. That wildfire took 10 days to bring under control, involving fire fighters from seven counties to fight the blaze. Some four-square miles of moorland were destroyed, and the environmental damage was considerable.

The ease with which they can start, and under difficult conditions, is a threat that rural fire and rescue services must be prepared for, and successful partnerships and groups have therefore been formed in high-risk areas with great success, promoting cooperation and collaboration on wildfire issues. In this, gamekeepers and moorland managers have a particularly important role, as they are frequently the first to see and report wildfires, and their specialist equipment is invaluable in helping put them out. But everyone can do their bit in preventing them in the first place, by following the following simple rules when in the countryside:

• Do not discard cigarettes.
• Please do not start fires or use BBQs as they are frequently cause wildfires.
• Dispose of all litter appropriately.
• Do not release sky lanterns. Once released, there is no control over where they end up.

If anyone finds themselves in a position where they encounter a wildfire that they are unable to bring under control safely, move to a safe location up wind and call the emergency service on 999 immediately, giving an accurate location of the fire.

Sarah Lee, Head of Policy of the Countryside Alliance said: "We are in no doubt many people will be returning to the countryside and precious moorland areas as lockdown eases. There is a strong urge in the rural community for greater public awareness over the dangers of wildfires as well as the preventative action that can be taken to avoid starting one, given the devastating impact they can have on farming, local communities, wildlife, and protected habitats. Remaining vigilant, especially during spells of dry weather, and increasing awareness amongst those that want to enjoy our beautiful countryside, are key to reducing risk."