"The fire can spread quicker than you can run". That is the stark reminder for anyone on the Isle of Wight considering lighting a fire in the open.
According to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS), there has been a “significant rise” in the number of fires in the open they have responded to this year.
From January this year to May, the fire service attended 427 open fires across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service say fires in the open can spread from cigarettes, bonfires or BBQs and have a “massive impact” on properties, the local area, woodland and wildlife.
East Cowes bonfire still alight near seafront
Andy Weeks, Group Commander for Portsmouth, Havant and East Hampshire Group with Hampshire and the Isle of Wight explained:
“We have experienced some relatively dry conditions and it doesn’t have to just be hot for fires in the open to spread. If we get a fairly dry Easterly wind that will dry the fuels out on the ground and help the fires to develop and grow… If a wildfire gets going the fire can travel quicker than you can run.”
An unattended bonfire in Totland earlier this year lead to crews from Freshwater tackling the blaze with a water cannon for an hour - after it spread to woodland and a nearby outbuilding.
At the same time, crews from Ryde were dealing with a large grassland area alight, therefore "putting a strain" on the Island’s resources.
East Cowes bonfire and litter left near the seafront
Andy explained the damage these fires can cause, he said:
“A lot of these areas have ground-nesting birds or plants that are very specific to the area so you might be on a site of Special Scientific Interest - so these fires are devastating and will take out anything in their path.”
Andy concluded:
“Enjoy the local areas but enjoy them safely and responsibly….Our advice is don’t BBQ take pre-prepared food with you don’t burn stuff off - you can take it to household waste recycling… Make sure if you are smoking you also dispose of your cigarettes properly... Should you happen to come across a fire in the open - by all means call 999.”
He said the app What Three Words is excellent for the firefighters to be able locate you quickly.
If you are caught deliberately setting fire to anything, you will face criminal charges.
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