Hampshire's fire service and county council urge people to do their bit to avoid wildfires in heatwave
“DO your bit to protect our wildlife.” This is the message as Hampshire’s fire service and county council join forces to warn of the risk of wildfires during the hot and dry weather.
It comes amid an extended drought and the Met Office’s amber extreme heat alert running between yesterday (Thursday) and Monday, and follows a spate of wildfires battled across the New Forest in recent weeks.
As reported in the A&T, two suspected deliberate blazes in six days caused significant damage to Pennington Common, off Ramley and Wainsford roads.
Discarded lighters were found during the first incident, but police are not currently investigating either of them.
A fuel can was also found at the scene of a gorse and grassland fire off Fawley Road, Hythe.
HCC’s executive member for recreation, heritage and rural affairs, Cllr Russell Oppenheimer, said: “With rising temperatures and drought combined, we are seeing tinder box conditions across many countryside areas.
“Our teams are working hard to manage the difficult weather conditions, but we are asking people to be extra vigilant and remember the advice of the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service when they are spending time outdoors.”
John Amos, HIWFRS group manager for prevention, added: “We encourage you to do your bit to protect our wildlife by following guidance that can avoid a fire starting, which includes not lighting cigarettes and barbecues across these areas, as these can spark fires which spread rapidly, causing huge amounts of damage.”
Bonfires, barbecues and campfires are banned across the whole of the New Forest National Park.
At HCC-managed sites, barbecues are only allowed in designated areas, using pre-pay facilities.
HIWFRS advice includes disposing of smoking materials properly and clearing away bottles, glasses and any broken glass to avoid them magnifying the sun.
Adults are also urged to talk to young people about the dangers of playing with and lighting fires.
Illegal fire setting activities can be reported by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Those who see a wildfire should get to safety and call firefighters immediately on 999.
The What3Words app can be downloaded on phones to help pinpoint incidents.
