Weeks of warm, dry weather have left grassland across the country brittle and highly flammable, with another rise in temperatures forecast for this week, firefighters in Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes are keen to highlight the heightened fire risk we face in our area, and share an important reminder of the steps you can take to help keep our rural areas safe from fire.
On Saturday (5 July) at 3.50pm, eleven appliances and four officers were called to a significant field fire in the Stoke Poges area. You can read more here: Field fire – Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service
Crews worked tirelessly at the scene until the incident was scaled down, they also reinspected the affected area at around 10pm that evening. Using multiple 4 x 4 rural firefighting appliances and water carriers they were able to prevent it from spreading further or effecting nearby properties.
Even small sparks can lead to large-scale fires in the current climate. That’s why we are asking our community to avoid lighting bonfires, disposable barbecues, or campfires on grassland or in the open countryside. One spark is all it takes with what may seem like a harmless fire, it can rapidly escalate in these dry conditions.
Station Commander Aaron Ridgley who attended the scene said:
“This fire took hold quickly and the weather conditions enabled it to start spreading fast. Our primary aim was to extinguish it before it reached homes and local roads. Our attending crews, supported by colleagues from Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service and Surrey Fire and Rescue Service worked hard and were successful, however the fire still effected around 300 metres by 100 metres of grassland.
“Even small sparks can lead to large-scale fires in the current climate. The fire in Stoke Poges was caused by a flying ember from a bonfire. If you’re thinking of lighting a bonfire this weekend, consider if you really need to have one, if you can wait, please do or find other ways to dispose of your waste.”
It’s not just barbeques or bonfires that can start an outdoor fire, this time of year we often see fires caused during harvest activity or machinery used in fields.
Aaron also added;
“Due to this hot spell over recent months and the lack of rain, we’re expecting this harvest to be even hotter and even dustier than would normally be expected. Combined with moving machinery parts this can mean the risk of fire is heightened. If you’re working in the fields in the coming weeks, follow our top safety tips and report any signs of fire immediately. Your vigilance helps us protect lives, farmland, and the countryside we all value. “
We all have a role to play
Whether you’re working outdoors or walking in the countryside we all have a role to play. If you spot an outdoor fire call 999 and ask for the Fire Service. Our firefighters have had specialist training and the equipment to be able to respond, let’s keep safe together.
For further safety advice visit our safety hub page or the links below: