CLA pleads for vigilance as threat from wildfires increase
THE CLA (Country Land and Business Association) is calling on the public to take extra care in the
countryside amid the increasing risk of wildfires in the parched landscape.
The warning comes as drier conditions increase the risk of fire across large areas of the country,
especially on hillsides, moors and heathland. Little, if any, rain is forecast over the next two weeks.
Natural England hosts the Fire Severity Index (previously hosted by the Met Office) indicates a ‘high
risk’ for large parts of England.
The CLA, which represents thousands of landowners, farmers and rural businesses in the North,
said in addition to the dry weather conditions, the possibility of more people heading to the
countryside during the much milder weather could heighten the risk of fires.
CLA Director North Harriet Ranson said: “Wildfires devastate farmland, wildlife and their habitats
and also pose a risk to the lives of people living and working in rural communities. Reducing the risk
of wildfires is key at this time of the year, and raising awareness is one way in which the risk can be
reduced.
“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 and disc harrows at the ready.”
“People must not discard cigarettes or other smouldering material on the ground. Discarded glass
bottles and other litter can also cause fires to start by magnifying glare.”
“The CLA asks visitors to the countryside 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
wildlifes. ‘Disposable’ does not mean just leaving them behind.”
“29,200 hectares of land (292 sq km or 113 sq miles) have been burnt so far this year already,
exceeding the previous record of 28,100 hectares in 2019, affecting large areas of the countryside,
and causing untold damage to wildlife and destroying ecosystems in a matter of hours which have
taken years to establish. We appeal to the public to be extra-vigilant when visiting the countryside.
Do not throw lit cigarette ends out of your vehicle or engage in activities that involve fire/heat and, if
you see a fire in the countryside, report it immediately.”
“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.”
Safety advice
• 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.
If the fire is in a remote area, meet emergency services at the access point so that you can guide
them to the location by using ‘What3Words’. If a fire breaks out, people are advised not to try to
tackle it themselves, but to alert the emergency services by calling 999
