Wildfire risk “outpacing investment” warns National Fire Chiefs Council

In those instances where wildfires reach the urban fringe, the risk shifts from land and wildlife to homes, with firefighters facing extremely challenging incidents in which people have lost property and possessions as the flames reach residential areas.

According to the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), the reality of the situation is that the risk is growing faster than the collective capacity to respond. Climate change, prolonged periods of extreme heat and changing land use are creating more frequent, larger and more complex wildfires. As such, the NFCC has commented: “We must ensure that investment is not only sustained, but also enhanced if we’re to keep pace with the risks now facing our communities.”

At present, a significant number of properties in Stourbridge in the West Midlands have been lost or severely damaged. Further properties in Sandwell, Stoke on Trent and Pershore are severely damaged.

Traumatic experience

Phil Garrigan, chair of the NFCC, stated: “Our thoughts are with those families and communities who’ve been affected by these devastating fires. Losing a home and/or treasured possessions or being forced to leave your community is a traumatic experience that can have a lasting impact.”

Garrigan continued: “We also recognise the extraordinary efforts of firefighters, Control Room teams and support staff who continue to work around the clock in extremely challenging conditions to protect life, property and the environment.”

Further, Garrigan explained: “Recent incidents have demonstrated how rapidly fires can spread and how the threat is evolving. Wildfires are no longer confined to remote rural areas. Increasingly, they’re threatening homes, businesses and critical infrastructure as they move from open land into urban and suburban communities.”

The NFCC welcomes the Government’s recognition of the escalating threat through recent investment in specialist wildfire capabilities and the Prime Minister’s decision to convene COBR in response to the current conditions. “The support and recognition of these risks is welcome and reflects the seriousness of the situation we are facing,” affirmed Garrigan.

New reality

Garrigan went on to comment: “Our new reality is that risk is growing faster than our collective capacity to respond. Climate change, prolonged periods of extreme heat and changing land use are creating more frequent, larger and more complex wildfires. We must ensure that investment is not only sustained, but enhanced if we are to keep pace with the risks facing our communities.”

While Garrigan agrees that it’s right to focus on the ‘here and now’, the NFCC is calling for a long-term wildfire strategy that reflects the changing nature of emergencies facing the UK. This would include continued investment in firefighters, specialist wildfire teams, training, equipment and national capabilities, including a dedicated aerial firefighting capability.

“The cost of preparedness will always be less than the cost of recovery,” said Garrigan. “We must act now to ensure Fire and Rescue Services have the resources required to protect communities from increasingly severe and complex wildfire events.”

The public also has a vital role to play. “Many wildfires are preventable,” outlined Garrigan. “At a time when firefighters are responding to multiple major incidents across the country, the most effective action anyone can take is to avoid activities that could ignite a fire.”

Shared responsibility

Garrigan observed: “We all have a shared responsibility to protect our communities. By making sensible choices and following local guidance, people can help to prevent further devastation, reduce pressure on the Emergency Services and keep firefighters available for those who need them most.”

In conclusion, Garrigan stated: “Every wildfire prevented is a home protected, a family spared the heartbreak of losing treasured possessions and firefighters freed to respond to other emergencies. Public vigilance and responsible behaviour are every bit as important as any piece of equipment in helping us to tackle this growing threat.”

The West Midlands Fire Service was alerted to a significant grass fire at Stourbridge Golf Course at around 1.30 pm on 13 August. At the height of the multi-agency response, which is continuing, upwards of 100 firefighters, 30 fire engines and no fewer than 11 specialist teams were at the scene.

Having spread rapidly, the devastating fire impacted 37 properties, 19 of which have been destroyed, while a further 18 have sustained substantial damage. The incident has covered an area of approximately 500 acres.

At this point in time, the cause of the fire isn’t known. Specialist fire investigators are working to establish the circumstances.

Macclesfield Forest wildfire

A major wildfire in Macclesfield Forest was officially declared closed shortly after 4.15 pm on 27 July following an extensive six-day firefighting operation involving Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and partner agencies.

The incident began late afternoon on 21 July and saw firefighters tackle a large woodland and grass fire across difficult terrain in challenging conditions. At the fire’s peak, crews worked alongside Cheshire Police, United Utilities and forest volunteers to prevent the fire spreading further through the forest.

Throughout the incident, specialist wildfire firefighters used a range of equipment and tactics, including beaters, water backpacks, hose reel jets, thermal imaging cameras, drones and an all-terrain vehicle. United Utilities’ helicopter also played a crucial role, carrying out repeated water drops on affected areas from above.

Operational activity continued around the clock, with firefighters remaining on scene overnight each day to monitor the fire, identify hotspots and prevent flare-ups. Due to the remote location and difficult terrain, firefighting efforts required careful co-ordination and a sustained response over several days.

An investigation carried out during the incident identified a discarded disposable barbecue as the most probable cause of the fire.

*Further information is available online at www.nfcc.org.uk