Visitors to forests and beauty spots on the Isle of Wight are being asked to help reduce the risk of a major wildfire on the Island this summer and to #BringAPicnicNotABBQ.
Forestry England are supporting the campaign following an increase in the number of fire incidents reported by its team on the Island. Despite a ban on BBQs and campfires on Forestry England land, many have recently been found discarded and in some cases left smoldering, posing a major risk to the surrounding countryside.
Rylands: Risk of out-of-control wildfires extremely high
Justin Rylands, Forestry England Ranger, said,
“At this time of year our forests are great places to spend time enjoying nature. But they are also at their driest and the risk of out-of-control wildfires are extremely high.
“Please help us protect these special places by leaving BBQs at home. Bring a picnic instead, it’s just not worth the risk.”
Emergency services have recently attended several fires on the Island including a large grass fire in Binstead which destroyed an area the size of a rugby pitch.
Walls: Crews already busy tackling fires which could easily be avoided
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service Group Manager for the Isle of Wight, Jeff Walls, said,
“Lots of us are currently enjoying the warmer weather, however these conditions increase the risk of wildfires across the Isle of Wight. Our crews have already been busy this summer tackling fires involving large parts of our countryside, fires which could easily be avoided.
“Barbecues, campfires and inappropriately discarded rubbish can spark wildfires that spread rapidly, causing huge amounts of damage, so we all need to do our bit and protect our wildlife.”
How to reduce the risk
There are several ways that those spending time in the countryside can help reduce the risk of a wildfire.
- Only use BBQs in designated areas – all BBQs and campfires are banned on Forestry England land – and be sure not to leave these unattended and extinguish them properly after use.
- Clear away bottles, glasses and any broken glass to avoid them magnifying the sun and starting a fire.
- Do not discard cigarettes in the countryside; dispose of smoking materials properly and make sure they are completely extinguished.
Anyone coming across a fire in the countryside should dial 999 and give an exact location, if possible by using What3Words.
News shared by Susan on behalf of Forestry England. Ed
