Berkshire firefighters tackle record number of wildfires during hot weather

Firefighters in Berkshire are dealing with a record number of wildfires following an exceptionally long and dry summer, according to the Berkshire Fire Authority.

Since the start of the year up until 21st July, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) has responded to 246 fires in the open, with seven classified as wildfires.

Jeff Brooks warned that these fires present serious threats to lives, communities, and properties.

A substantial effort has been required from fire crews, with significant outdoor fires occurring across the region during July alone. A particularly challenging wildfire in Upper Basildon demanded 115 hours of crew time.

To manage such incidents, the Fire Authority has invested in enhanced training and equipment, including specialist 4x4 wildfire units for operations in difficult terrain. This is part of their Community Risk Management Plan. Additionally, RBFRS collaborates with the Thames Valley Wildfire Group to manage wildfire risks proactively.

The risk of wildfires remains high as dry vegetation can easily ignite, with the potential for small sparks to evolve into major wildfires requiring a large number of firefighters to control.

RBFRS has issued safety advice urging the public to avoid using disposable barbecues in open spaces, refrain from discarding cigarettes on the ground, avoid lighting bonfires during dry weather, report fires immediately by calling 999, and not leaving bottles or glass lying around as sunlight can ignite fires.

Annually, around 1,700 farm buildings and 66,000 grassland areas in the UK are destroyed by fire. To mitigate these risks, RBFRS, in collaboration with the National Farmers Union (NFU), has developed the Farmland Safety and Fire Prevention Booklet, offering practical safety measures for landowners.

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