Huge increase in wildfires across Hampshire and Isle of Wight
Crews tackled 484 fires in the open in the first two weeks of August
Firefighters across Hampshire and Isle of Wight have dealt with nearly nine times more outdoor fires in the first two weeks of August than they did in 2021.
The staggering 764 per cent increase has seen crews tackle 484 fires in the open between 1 and 14 August - compared to just 56 over the same period in last year.
Crews, Control room operators and support teams have been exceptionally busy responding to these incidents, with prolonged periods of hot and dry conditions increasing the risk of fires in the open from starting and spreading quickly.
Although the extreme conditions of the four-day heatwave experienced at the end of last week have passed, the public are still being urged to take extra care.
Assistant director for prevention and protection, Jason Avery, said:
“Our firefighters, officers and support teams have been working incredibly hard in challenging and difficult conditions.
“I thank them all for their outstanding efforts and pay tribute to their commitment. Many of our firefighters are on-call and the dedication they’ve shown to our communities, as well as the sacrifices made by their families and employers who have supported them in carrying out their firefighting roles alongside their main jobs, has been incredible.
“We know temperatures are due to drop this week and you might think this will reduce the chance of fires in the open, but the ground still remains very dry, meaning the risk of wildfires has not gone away.
“Please continue to follow some simple steps to keep everyone safe. Don’t light bonfires, campfires or barbecues in the countryside, our parks, commons and open spaces.
“It only takes one ember, one fire left to smoulder, or one unattended bonfire to spark a fire that has the potential to cause devastation and put lives and property at risk.
“Pack a picnic, not a disposable barbecue, and please get rid of cigarettes and other rubbish, including glass bottles, responsibly.
“We will always be there to respond in an emergency, but anything the public can do to help us reduce preventable fires caused by bonfires, barbecues and campfires is appreciated.”
If you spot a fire dial 999 immediately and get to a safe place.
Download What3Words on your phone and use it to help us locate fires quicker.
Report deliberate fire-setting to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 11 or the Police on 101.
Please don’t dial 999 to report a bonfire unless it is unattended and an emergency.
Check out the rules on who to contact about garden bonfires here.
Some of the incidents HIWFRS has dealt with in the first two weeks of August include:
• On Sunday, firefighters tackled a field fire in Fareham, leading two horses to safety and preventing the blaze from spreading further
• Around 50 firefighters were called to a large fire involving five acres of grass and woodland near Calmore Industrial Estate on Saturday afternoon. Police are appealing for information from anyone who witnessed the fires being set, or who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area
• Crews from Ryde and Ventnor were called out to incidents on the Isle of Wight on Friday, including two beach bonfires and a cliff top fire reported by members of the public
• Firefighters joined forces with New Forest rangers to tackle a fire involving heather, gorse and trees. The fire was started after someone lit a barbecue or campfire