Shooting Times & Country Magazine
Wildfire warning as Covid lockdown eases
As the first major wildfires of the spring are reported, rural groups have called on the public to behave responsibly when visiting the uplands
Gamekeepers and moorland managers have warned of the threat of wildfires as they prepare for an influx of postlockdown visitors.
Despite restrictions remaining in place, the first major wildfires of the spring have been reported. One of the areas to have been affected was the National Trust-owned Marsden Moor in Yorkshire. Local firefighters equipped with leaf blowers and a Polarismounted fogging unit were able to control and eventually extinguish the blaze.
Meanwhile, in an event that brought back memories of the enormous wildfire of February 2019, firefighters were also deployed to tackle a blaze on Saddleworth Moor. That fire took seven fire brigades nearly 10 days to extinguish.
In England, the regional moorland groups launched a social media campaign to emphasise the importance of people’s behaviour when visiting the uplands. The use of disposable barbecues was particularly highlighted as a problem. Barbecues have been identified as the cause for an increasing number of wildfires in recent years.
The Countryside Alliance also asked visitors not to use barbecues as it issued its advice for preventing wildfires. The alliance pointed out the risks from campfires, dropped cigarettes and sky lanterns, too.
Sarah Lee, head of policy at the Countryside Alliance, said: “We are in no doubt many people will be returning to the countryside and precious moorland areas as lockdown eases. There is a strong urge in the rural community for greater public awareness over the dangers of wildfires, as well as the preventative action that can be taken to avoid starting one, given the devastating impact they can have on farming, local communities, wildlife and protected habitats. Remaining vigilant, especially during spells of dry weather, and increasing awareness among those who want to enjoy our beautiful countryside are key to reducing risk.”
Farmers and foresters also joined calls for people to behave responsibly.
Hill sheep farmer and Shooting Times reader Scott Iley said: “Many farmers in the uplands will be in the midst of lambing just as people begin to return to the hills. The last thing they need is to be faced with a wildfire caused by carelessness.”
THEY SAID WHAT
“The last thing farmers need is to be faced with a wildfire caused by carelessness”