CLA South West urges vigilance as increased visitors to the countryside heightens fire risks

Wildfires have the capability to devastate farmland and wildlife and pose a risk to the lives of people living and working in rural and adjacent communities. Fires have already been reported in numerous rural locations due to the continued hot, dry weather.

The CLA represents thousands of landowners, farmers and rural businesses across England and Wales. The organisation is urging people to not discard cigarettes or other smouldering material on the ground, or throw lit cigarette butts out of car windows.

Discarded glass bottles and other litter can also cause fires to start by magnifying glare.

Visitors to the countryside are urged not to bring disposable BBQs with them as it is almost impossible to cool them down and take them home afterwards and they are a known cause of wildfires. ‘Disposable’ does not mean just leaving them behind.

CLA South West Director Ann Maidment says: “The school holidays are a fantastic time to get out and explore the beautiful countryside, but you should always be aware of the potential risks of your surroundings. The dry, hot conditions make it extremely easy for a fire to start and spread quickly.

“A disposable BBQ left on the ground to smoulder can catch grass on fire, and in the current parched conditions could easy become widespread. It only takes a slight breeze for a blaze to take hold.

“Even something as simple as a glass bottle tossed on the ground can heat up and cause a fire. It is so important for everyone to be aware of their actions, and the potential consequences it could cause.”

Meanwhile, landowners and land managers are advised to be prepared for fires, where possible, and ensure that fire breaks are cut and well maintained, with any cut vegetation cleared from the site. Farmers are urged to consider having full water bowsers at the ready.

If you must have an open fire:

• Never use petrol, it can ignite quickly and soon get out of control. Only use approved lighting fuels.
• Make sure it is downwind and at least 10 metres away from any buildings or structures.
• Clear dry vegetation, such as leaves, to form a circle of earth around the fire.
• Never leave fires unattended and make sure they are fully extinguished after use.
• During hot/dry weather, it is advised not to undertake controlled or prescribed burning unless you have the means to fully control it yourself. Ideally, do not conduct prescribed fire or swaling during any period of elevated wildfire risk.