CLA South West warns of impact of wildfires on farm as Easter temperatures soar

With sunny weather forecast for much of the Easter holidays, the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) South West has issued a warning to the public urging them to take extra care in the countryside due to the elevated risk of wildfires.

Large wildfires are thankfully rare but, when they do occur, they can be very serious and affect large areas of the countryside. The recent dry conditions mean large swathes of the region, particularly on hillsides, moors and heathland, could be at risk if proper care and attention is not taken. The conditions mean that, should a wildfire be experienced, it could spread quickly and easily taking a great deal of resources to bring under control. If a wildfire encroaches upon farmland, then crops and farm buildings can be consumed, and homes that border heathland can also be at risk.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS), Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service and Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service - who say the number of wildfires in the county increased by 80% compared with the previous year - have all been called to incidents in the last two weeks.

With temperatures set to reach 22 degrees - higher than parts of Spain and California - a rare Met Office amber alert for wildfires is in place across the South West.

Wildfires are usually associated with the hotter summer months, but Ann Maidment, South West Regional Director of the CLA - which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses across Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire - said these recent incidents act as a timely reminder for people to act responsibly to prevent the risk of wildfire.

She said: “After an extremely wet start to the year the warm and dry weather is welcome. However, this brings with it a new set of challenges to the countryside. It only takes a small spark to start a fire on ground as dry as it is currently, so extra caution must be taken to help protect crops, wildlife and habitats.

“Reducing the risk of wildfires is key at any time of the year, and raising awareness of the dangers and impact they have is one way this can be achieved. Whilst farmers, landowners and land managers are advised to be prepared for fires, members of the public also play a vital role in preventing such occurrences, which is why we are appealing for visitors to the countryside to be extra vigilant. Prevention is better than cure, which is why we are urging people to enjoy the countryside responsibly.”

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 grasses and vegetation removed from the site. Farmers are urged to keep their machinery well maintained.

However, there are also steps which members of the public can also take to reduce the opportunity for wildfires to start.

Top tips reducing the risk of wildfire include:

• Do not use disposable barbecues in the countryside
• Extinguish smoking materials properly - don’t throw cigarette ends on the ground or out of car windows.
• Don’t discard rubbish, particularly reflective materials which can cause a spark.
• Don’t have bonfires on hot days or during prolonged periods of dry weather.
• Never leave fires unattended and make sure they are fully extinguished after use.

What to do in the event of a fire

• Don’t attempt to tackle fires yourself
• If you see a fire report it immediately by calling 999.
• Note the location of the fire using What3Words
• Move to a safe area and contact landowner if possible.
• If the fire is in a remote area, meet emergency services at the access point so that you can guide them to the location.