Wildfire warning as heatwave conditions grip Cornwall and the country
Temperatures are hotting up - and so is the risk of fires
Last updated 11th Jul 2022
A wildfire warning is going out across Cornwall and heatwave conditions grip the country.
A level three Heat Health Alert has been issued for the South West by the Met Office and UK Health Security Agency, with temperatures reaching the high 20s and maybe even into the 30s over the next few days.
Kernow Weather Team says that as a result, the wildfire risk is currently at moderate to high.
A spokesperson said: "Due to ongoing dry and settled weather brings the risk wildfires for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
"If you find a fire in the countryside don’t attempt to tackle it, call 999 and ask for the fire service immediately. Pass as much information about the location as possible, use the app What 3 Words if you have it to pinpoint the exact spot.”
On Sunday a wildfire broke out on the cliffs at Portreath (pictured above) as hundreds of people enjoyed the sunshine at the beach.
Every year, Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service attend many gorse/vegetation fires that are also known as wild fires.
Last year the number of wildfires in Cornwall increased by 80% compared with the previous year and there were on average almost two wildfires per week.
How you can help protect the countryside
Fires in the countryside can easily be started accidentally, or even deliberately.
Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service is warning a carelessly discarded cigarette can lead to a huge fire, where the results to the wildlife can be devastating, so please follow this code and help to keep Cornwall's countryside free from fire:
Do not discard cigarettes in the countryside.
Do not leave glass items around after a picnic or barbecue. Put them in the bin. Remember the fire safety information on Barbecues.
Only light fires or barbecues in designated areas using the facilities provided.
Fires must be built at least 10m downwind from vegetation, tents and caravans.
Clear a patch of bare earth to build the fire on.
Ensure the fire collapses inwards when it burns.
Do not leave it unattended.
Never use petrol or paraffin on a fire.
Do not put batteries, aerosols or other gas cylinders on the fire.
If you see a fire in the countryside, report it immediately.
Don't attempt to tackle fires that can't be put out with a bucket of water – leave the area as quickly as possible.
You can find more advice from Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service here.