Wildfires 'becoming more frequent' in Hampshire, fire authority chairman warns

Wildfires are becoming a growing problem in Hampshire - and things are only going to get worse.

That is the warning from the chairman of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority, after a government report was published yesterday.

A report titled A burning issue: managing wildfire risk was printed by the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee on Wednesday, October 21, outlining the “lessons learned” from the wildfires that broke out earlier this year.

In Hampshire, firefighters spent two weeks tackling a wildfire in the New Forest, which destroyed more than 247 acres of the national park. Caused by a van catching fire on the A31, the blaze cost Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service an estimated £600,000

At the same time, further wildfires broke out in Gosport, and on one evening there were multiple fires that started in Portsmouth.

Cllr Prad Bains, chairman of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority, said: “We welcome the recommendations set out in the EFRA Committee Report and the recognition that wildfires are an increasing risk requiring a coordinated national response. This summer Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service saw first-hand the increasing demands that prolonged periods of hot, dry weather can place on firefighters with the service attending 75 wildfires in July and August this year, including major incidents on the Isle of Wight and in the New Forest.

“The vast majority of wildfires are caused by human activity, which is why prevention and public education must remain at the heart of our approach. Raising awareness of the risks associated with activities such as disposable barbecues, campfires and discarded smoking materials is one of the most effective ways to reduce the number of incidents.

“Wildfires are becoming more frequent, more complex and increasingly resource-intensive, often requiring large-scale, prolonged responses across challenging terrain. Despite the growing demands these incidents place on fire and rescue services, there is currently no dedicated national funding for wildfire preparedness and response.

“Nevertheless, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service has continued to invest in specialist capability, including lightweight PPE to support firefighter welfare and a dedicated off-road wildfire response vehicle to improve access to remote incidents.

“We support the report’s call for greater investment in specialist capabilities, stronger national coordination and a long-term wildfire strategy. As the threat from wildfires continues to grow, it is essential that national funding and resilience planning keep pace, ensuring fire and rescue services have the capacity and capability needed to protect communities, firefighters and the environment.”