Fire services in England and Wales have been grappling with a record number of wildfires this year, having already dealt with 996 incidents, surpassing the previous high of 994 in 2022 as reported by the National Resilience programme. With nineteen wildfires occurring in the final three months alone, the tally for this year is anticipated to exceed 1,000. Phil Garrigan, chair of the National Fire Chief Council (NFCC), expressed concern over the toll these wildfires have taken on firefighters, with crews being tied up for extended periods. The combination of four summer heatwaves and minimal rainfall has created ideal conditions for these wildfires to thrive.
One of the most persistent blazes was at Langdale Moor in North Yorkshire, where the fire burned under peat. Starting on August 12, the fire escalated to a major incident, spreading over five square kilometres. However, after over a week, the blaze has been contained with occasional flare-ups. Other significant fires this summer include the ones at Holt Heath in Dorset, covering 72 hectares, and Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh.
This year’s wildfire count marks a substantial increase compared to previous years, with only 200 wildfires recorded by National Resilience last year. In 2023, 293 wildfires were logged, 223 in 2021, and 149 in 2020. Alarmingly, the number of firefighters has decreased by 25% since 2008, equating to a loss of 11,000 members, according to the NFCC.
Mr. Garrigan highlighted the need for reinforcements from various regions to tackle these wildfires, underscoring the strain on resources and capabilities. For instance, the Holt Heath fire required personnel from 47 fire stations in Dorset and Wiltshire, along with support from 17 additional services. In England and Wales, a wildfire must meet specific criteria to be classified as such, including covering at least one hectare, flames reaching over 1.5m high, the necessity of at least four firefighting appliances on-site, resources being deployed for a minimum of six hours, or posing a significant threat to life, property, and infrastructure. Meanwhile, in Scotland, wildfires are defined as uncontrolled outdoor fires that burn more than 1,000 square meters of land.
This surge in wildfires underscores the pressing need for adequate resources, personnel, and strategies to combat these natural disasters effectively. As climate change continues to exacerbate extreme weather conditions, the risk and frequency of wildfires are likely to increase, necessitating proactive measures to mitigate their impact on communities and the environment.
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