As the nation celebrates National Picnic Month this July, firefighters are encouraging people to swap barbecues following a spate of outdoor fires over the past week.
With forecasters predicting further spells of hot, dry weather following record-breaking temperatures, the likelihood of heatwaves this summer remains high.
Vegetation can quickly become tinder-dry in these conditions, meaning even the smallest spark can rapidly develop into a devastating wildfire - as our crews saw while tackling outdoor fires in Ilminster and Torquay over the weekend.
The two counties we protect are home to some of the most rural landscapes in the UK, including extensive areas of moorland, heathland, woodland, and coastline.
Barbecues, particularly disposable ones, can easily ignite vegetation in these environments, threatening wildlife, communities, and infrastructure. Once a fire takes hold in dry conditions, it can spread quickly and require significant firefighting resources to control.
Ian Donovan, one of our wildfire specialists, said: "National Picnic Month is a fantastic opportunity to get outside and enjoy everything Devon and Somerset has to offer. Our message is simple – please pack a picnic instead of lighting a barbecue.
"We have some of the most beautiful and rural landscapes in the country, from our moorlands to our heathlands, and while they're wonderful places to visit, they can become extremely vulnerable during long periods of hot, dry weather. We’re seeing a rise in the number of incidents we attend as a Service, year on year, and we must raise awareness of the risks.
"By choosing a picnic instead of a barbecue, you're helping to reduce the risk of accidental fires that can spread incredibly quickly and putting pressure on emergency resources. Please enjoy the outdoors safely so we can all help protect the special places we call home."
You can prevent wildfires by:
- never lighting a fire out in the open
- taking all litter home with you, especially reflective items
- never throwing lit cigarettes on dry ground and ensuring they’re properly out before disposing of them
- calling 999 immediately if you spot a fire.
For more information on staying safe outdoors this summer.
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