Dorset land managers shown how to prepare for wildfires this summer
They've been given training by the Dorset Heaths Partnership and Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue
Wildfires pose a significant threat to heathland ecosystems, wildlife, and nearby communities. With the increasing frequency of wildfires in the UK, it is crucial for those involved in land management to be prepared. Especially with a forecast prediction of higher than average temperatures and lower than average rainfall for this summer.
The Dorset Heaths Partnership has been actively working to protect and manage the heathland habitats in Dorset for over 20 years. One of their key priorities is reducing the risk of wildfires. They recently collaborated with the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) to provide comprehensive wildfire training.
The specialist training at Avon Heath Country Park, provided by Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) aimed at equipping land managers and partners with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively support the response to wildfires.
The day saw 40 land managers take part in the sessions which included familiarisation with DWFRS appliances and fire fighting techniques followed by classroom learning. These sessions were led by Andy Elliott, Wildfire Tactical Advisor, and Chris Mitchell, Wildfire Subject Matter Lead from DWFRS, they looked at wildfire behaviour: how wildfires spread and the factors that influence their behaviour and potential hazards associated with wildfires and how to mitigate them.
Station Manager Chris Mitchell said: “How we prevent and reduce wildfires is extremely important to us, so we were pleased to be able to share awareness and training to our stakeholders. The training day, which is held annually, gave us the opportunity to work with land managers and their staff and provide training so that we can continue to safely and effectively respond and deal with wildfires across our service area.”
As wildfires continue to be a pressing issue, the Dorset Heaths Partnership remains committed to improving wildfire preparedness through ongoing training and collaboration to manage habitats more effectively and assist the fire service during wildfire incidents.
Additionally, through public awareness campaigns the public is reminded lighting fires or BBQs on heathland is illegal and to report any fires they encounter by dialling 999.
Paul Attwell, Team Manager of the Dorset Heaths Partnership, said: “Wildfires have a huge impact on the local community, they put the safety of the public, wildlife and property at risk and can destroy large areas of heathland and forest. The heathland habitat is now rarer on the planet than rainforest and so we work to protect what is left. As a partnership we all work hard to prevent fires from taking place in our heathlands and forest and today we have been learning how as land managers we can support DWFRS if a large incident takes place.”