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Wildfire Risk

As summer approaches with warmer drier weather, and the school holidays begin, we can expect an increased risk of wildfires, as we do each summer.

The peak season for wildfires in the UK is generally March to May. However, due to climate change resulting in dead and dry vegetation the wildfire season is changing and is now February to July.

There are actions we can take ourselves to help reduce the risk of wildfire, such as keep on top of machine maintenance, including electrical systems, oil leaks, clearing out forest debris from the nooks and crannies, and having on-board fire extinguisher systems serviced so they will work should they be required.

Forest Managers should be double checking fire plans and ensuring information is up-to-date so as to not delay any emergency response. If areas of land have high public amenity you need to consider posting warning signs for fire risk including disposable barbeques.

For information to help you assess the fire risk in your area, the Met Office’s
Fire Severity Index (FSI), provides an assessment of how severe a fire could become if one were to start. It is hosted on the Met Office website on behalf of Natural England and Natural Resources Wales for the purpose of informing fire
prevention restrictions on open access land.

Click here for the Fire Severity Index (FSI) for England and Wales.
The warnings and alerts for Scotland comes via The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and are detailed here.

We must all remain vigilant when on site to potential risk and signs of fire.

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