Where are the UK wildfire warnings and what is the fire brigade safety advice?

Yahoo

02-04-2025

Rare Met Office amber warnings for wildfires have been issued for much of the UK, including London, Kent, Wiltshire, Northern Ireland and southern Scotland.
Several fire departments have issued wildfire safety advice as warm weather and strong winds are expected in various parts of the country for the remainder of this week, and beyond.
The warning was issued as warm and dry conditions are expected to continue, with temperatures expected to peak at 22C on Friday, April 4.
The warning is in place for most of England and will extend into Northern Ireland and southern Scotland on Wednesday.
Brits have been asked to refrain from using disposable barbecues and to be careful when disposing of cigarettes and litter, as wildfires can still occur outside of summer months.
Kathryn Chalk, a meteorologist at the Met Office, said: 'We can't be specific on locations due to the nature of wildfires though, and best to stick with the weather conditions with the dry air, breezy and warm conditions, hence the warning, with slightly cooler conditions with the onshore breeze along eastern coasts.
'With strong winds and ongoing dry/warm weather this brings a continued likelihood for wildfire conditions through the period'.
Despite London not experiencing peak summer temperatures, the London Fire Brigade said that wildfires can still occur, because of this year's drier start to spring.
London Fire Brigade assistant commissioner Paul McCourt said: 'We want everyone to enjoy the sunshine but we urge people to take the necessary precautions to stay safe and help prevent a grass fire from starting.
'Recent events in Los Angeles and South Korea have demonstrated how rapidly fires can spread outdoors, even when temperatures are not at their highest."
He added: 'As the weather warms up and we head towards Friday and the weekend, we would urge Londoners not to have barbecues in open spaces or on balconies, including disposable barbecues, to throw rubbish away, and to dispose of cigarettes carefully to avoid inadvertently starting a fire.'
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said there is a 'very high' to 'extreme' risk of wildfires from Wednesday 2 April until Monday 7 April, north of the border.
The SFRS are urging the public to be aware of wildfire risk as figures show almost 80 percent of large outdoor fires since 2010 were recorded between March and May.
Group Commander Garry Douglas is one of SFRS Tactical Advisors. He said: 'During any period of heightened risk, fires can ignite easily, spread very quickly, and burn with high intensity.
'At this time of year in early Spring, we typically have a large volume of dead, bone-dry vegetation across large areas of countryside. This essentially acts as a fuel for fire.
'There are currently vast areas that are tinder dry and vulnerable, which provides all the ingredients for fire to take hold and spread.
'Human behaviour is the cause of most wildfires in Scotland, so it is imperative we all act responsibly while enjoying the outdoors especially over the coming days of predicted sunshine."
During the record-breaking sweltering summer of 2022, the UK endured heat above 40C in some parts of the country for the first time, sparking fires across the country.
The arid weather saw around 24,316 wildfires in England between June and August 2022, a four-fold increase in the same period from 2021.
The south east saw the hottest temperatures with the London Fire Brigade having their busiest day since the Second World War.
In the east of the capital 17 houses were destroyed in a large grassfire in Wennington, which also destroyed 40 hectares of fields, five garages, 12 stables, and a car repair workshop.
In nearby Dagenham, more than 130 people had to be evacuated with two people having to be taken to hospital in a blaze that needed 100 firefighters to put out close to grassland.
New research published earlier this month indicated the 2022 heatwave was made at least six times more likely due to human-caused climate change.
The study, by the Met Office, UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, and the University of Exeter, stated that the UK's rising temperatures and drier conditions will increase the risk of extreme weather.
Lead author Dr Chantelle Burton from the Met Office said: 'The 2022 heatwave wasn't just record-breaking — it drastically increased the risk of fires, highlighting the growing danger climate change poses to the UK.'
The UK experiences thousands of wildfires every year, with 44,000 recorded in 2022.
The smoke and air pollution they cause can be especially dangerous for children and the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.
Around two thirds of wildfires are accidental with the most common causes recorded as discarded cigarettes or unattended campfires, said the SFRS.
They urged people this week to refrain from using disposable barbecues and to properly dispose of cigarettes, matches and litter, in order to prevent fire hazards.
During the warm summer months the risk of wildfires increase and the UK government warned that the best way to prevent these fires from breaking out is to be responsible during hot and dry periods.
Actions to take to prevent wildfires occurring
Do not light fires in countryside areas and only have barbecues where signs say you can safely.
Do not light fires in high winds, in low humidity or in high temperatures, or when they are forecast.
Take extra care disposing of cigarettes in countryside areas. Ensure they are fully extinguished and disposed of safely.
Do not throw cigarettes out of car windows.
Do not leave hot barbecues unattended and always put your barbecue out.
Do not litter – always take your rubbish home with you, as glass in direct sunlight can cause fires.
Actions to take if you see a wildfire
Have an escape plan ready for your safety.
Do not attempt to tackle the fire yourself.
Make sure your family members, or anyone with you, know where to assemble in the event of a wildfire.
Ensure pets and domestic animals are safe.
Ensure your home name or number is clearly visible from the road or main access point so firefighters can easily locate your address.
Call and report fires by calling 999, and do not assume someone else already has.
Always follow the advice of the emergency services and local authorities.