17/3/2010 - Wildland fire warning and advice

Cumbria’s fire chiefs have joined forces with Natural England to warn about wildland fires after a spate of large-scale grass and gorse fires in the south of the county in the last week.

Dry conditions in recent weeks has meant that the fells are tinder dry and that combined with last year’s dead vegetation such as bracken means fires will spread very quickly.

This time of year is traditional for farmers and land managers to manage vegetation by using controlled burning. When doing this they have to comply with the Grass and Heather burning Regulations which minimises the risk of their burning becoming uncontrolled and spreading to large areas. 

The good weather has also meant an increased use of the countryside by members of the public thereby also heightening the risk of fire.

Recent fires have included two on Friday 12 March, at farms near Broughton-in-Furness and Ulpha, which saw a total of 26 hectares affected.

Sunday 14 March saw three fires, one at a farm in Grizebeck (nine hectares), one on Gummers Howe, Newby Bridge (two hectares), and another at Lowick Common, Ulverston which covered 50 hectares and needed seven fire engines and two specially adapted landrovers to control the blaze.

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service has recently introduced wildfire teams at eight fire stations around the county which are equipped with new specially modified Landrovers and other specialist equipment and clothing for fighting vegetation fires in the countryside. These were used to great effect for the first time this weekend and helped to bring the fires under control more quickly and more safely than was previously possible.

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service is working in conjunction with Natural England to offer advice to farmers, land managers and members of the public.

Farmers and land managers should consider the following when planning and implementing controlled burns:

- Inform fire control of location, start time and finish time (01900 822503)

- Follow the Heather and Grass Burning Code

- Produce a burning plan

- Consider the safety of people and property

- Identify sensitive areas.

Further advice and guidance on controlled burning which will help them operate within the law can be found at: www.natural-england.org.uk/ourwork/regulation/burning/default.aspx 

Every year wildland fires are responsible for the destruction of thousands of acres of countryside, open spaces and wildlife habitat. Although some of these fires are started deliberately, many are accidental and members of the public should take extra care and can help by following a few simple precautions:

- Dispose of smoking materials properly and make sure they are completely extinguished

- Don't leave camp fires or barbecues unattended and extinguish them properly after use

- Clear away bottles, glasses and any broken glass to prevent them magnifying the sun's rays and starting a fire

- Explain to children the dangers of playing with lighted fires.

If fire breaks out, use 999 and call the Fire and Rescue Service immediately. When specifying your location, mention any landmarks - perhaps a church or pub - and if phoning from a phone box, stay nearby so you can direct the fire appliances to the scene. 

Don't attempt to fight the fire yourself unless it is very small - grass and crop fires can travel very quickly. 

ENDS

Media enquiries to Media Officer Chris Little on 01228 226335.