Prolonged hot and dry conditions brought an increased risk of outdoor fires across Devon and Somerset, creating challenging conditions for communities and a sustained period of high demand for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.
While the whole summer kept our crews busy, July stood out as an exceptional month.
Our Control colleagues handled 6,041 calls, while we attended 864 fires – including 547 fires in the open. In total, we attended 2,008 incidents during the month.
The pace of activity was relentless. From 8 July onwards, only two days fell outside the top 5% of days for fires attended, meaning that exceptionally high demand became the norm for much of the month.
A summer when wildfire was in the spotlight
Wildfires were not just a local story this summer. Fires across the country attracted significant national media attention, highlighting just how quickly hot, dry conditions can increase the risk of fires spreading.
Here in Devon and Somerset, our teams worked throughout the summer to raise awareness of the risks and share simple steps people could take to help prevent fires from starting.
Our ‘Stay with it this summer’ campaign encouraged people to take extra care when using BBQs, fire pits and having fires in their gardens – particularly reminding people not to become distracted when using a source of heat.
We also saw the introduction of a nationwide ban on outdoor fires, communicated directly to the public through an emergency alert from the UK Government. Following the ban, we saw a reduction in wildfire activity, demonstrating the very real difference that changes in behaviour can make.
Thank you
We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who played their part this summer.
Whether you chose not to have a bonfire, put off using a fire pit or BBQ, followed the advice around outdoor fires, or simply took extra care when using heat outdoors, your actions helped reduce the risk of fires starting and spreading.
We know that changing plans or going without something you had intended to do can be frustrating, particularly during a long, hot summer. But choosing to act safely can make a significant difference, especially when conditions are dry and fires can spread rapidly.
Thank you, too, to everyone who shared our messages with friends, family, and neighbours. Every conversation, social media post, and reminder helped us reach more people with important safety advice.
Behind every incident is a community
Every call we receive represents someone who needs our help. During an exceptionally busy summer, our firefighters, Control colleagues and wider teams worked tirelessly to respond to incidents and keep people safe.
But preventing fires in the first place is something we can all contribute to.
The summer has shown how important it is that we work together – with communities, partners and individuals all playing a role in reducing risk.
Ready for whatever comes next
As we move into autumn and winter, the risks will change, but our readiness remains.
We know the months ahead can bring heavy rain, storms and flooding, as well as colder weather and an increased risk of indoor fires linked to heating, cooking and other sources of heat.
We are also keeping a close eye on developing weather patterns, including the potential influence of El Niño on conditions across the UK. Forecasts will continue to evolve, but we will continue to monitor them closely and prepare for whatever the weather may bring.
Our teams are ready to respond, whatever challenges the coming months bring. The experience of this summer has reinforced the importance of being prepared for sustained periods of high demand – and of working together to keep our communities safe.
Please note: While the UK-wide ban on outdoor fires has now been lifted, some areas across our region – including moorland, heathland, forests and privately owned land – may have year-round restrictions on fires. Always check the local rules and any restrictions that apply to the land before lighting a fire outdoors.
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