The last few months in Lancashire has been a turbulent time for us weather wise. With multiple storms battering the county in the early part of the year, we are now finally starting to see the weather improve, only to be blighted by the challenges facing us amidst the coronavirus outbreak.
For landowners and managers, we recognise that as the end of the burn season approaches there will be a strong desire to take advantage of the better weather conditions. However, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service is urging owners and managers to be mindful of the wider challenges facing the service.
Whilst the conditions may be good for burning, they are also perfect for wildfires.
Group Manager Shaun Walton, who is also the National Fire Chiefs Council’s Wildfire Group Deputy Chair and Wildfire Tactical Advisor Lead Officer said:
“It is vitally important that we all take proactive and responsible steps to reduce the likelihood of wildfires starting.
“We find ourselves in an ever changing, challenging and unprecedented time and we’re urging landowners and managers to exercise caution when considering controlled burns and only carry out burns if they are essential.”
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service is working hard to ensure we’re able to support the people of Lancashire with effective incident response and support for the most vulnerable during this outbreak and we’re urging caution too to members of the public. Deliberate fires are frustrating to experience at any time but especially so now, when we all find ourselves adjusting to an ever changing and challenging situation.
There has been a recent increase in fires thought to have been started deliberately across the county over recent days and sadly we know that as a service we are not alone in seeing this trend.
Shaun went on to say:
“Having the support of both the public, landowners and managers at this time will undoubtedly help us deal with the additional pressures we’re facing as a result of the coronavirus outbreak and maintain some vital resilience.
“We are continuing to work with partners investigating these fires and would encourage anyone with any information to come forward and speak to the Police. In the meantime, we ask that people do as required in this national emergency and stay at home.”