Outdoor fires up by 230% last month in County Durham and Darlington
Prolonged sunshine and dry weather led to a 230% increase in outdoor fires in County Durham and Darlington last month. (April)*
And County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service’s (CDDFRS) Head of Emergency Response, Graeme Carr, has warned that all fires in the open have the potential to become uncontrollable, resulting in wildfires.
He said: “Dry weather creates the perfect conditions for wildfires.
“It removes the moisture from vegetation, making it highly flammable, and causing the fire to spread faster.
“This can result in devastating effects - both to our wildlife and community areas.
“The majority of wildfires are started in several ways, including careless actions such as leaving a BBQ to smoulder, or, frustratingly, through deliberate fire setting.
“I want to remind people that when our firefighters are attending preventable fires like this, it can impact our ability to respond to other emergencies.”
In response, the Service have been working closely with colleagues at the police and councils to increase patrols in problem areas.
Firefighters have also increased engagement with the community around the effects of deliberate fire setting.
If you see a possible wildfire, get to a place of safety immediately and then call 999 and ask for the fire and rescue service.
If you have any information about deliberate fires, you can report it anonymously by calling FireStoppers on 0800 169 5558 or online by visiting www.firestoppersreport.co.uk.
*Figures are compared to April 2024.
A Durham Constabulary spokesperson said: “Deliberate fires have a huge impact on our emergency services and direct us away from attending other 999 calls, not forgetting they have the potential to seriously injure innocent people and animals.
“Officers are continuing to engage with communities and are increasing patrols in hotspot areas where we have seen a surge in deliberate fires.
“We would urge anyone with any information about those responsible to contact us.”
A spokesperson for Northumbrian Water said: “Helping to prevent the causes of fires and fires spreading will not only help the fire service but it will also help save water.
“The fire service needs a continuous water supply to help them put out fires so please be mindful to save water at home or at work by turning off taps when you don’t need them. Every drop counts!”