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Ponies Fight Wildfires, Researcher Battles Blaze
17 Aug
Summary
- Native ponies are trained to create firebreaks by dragging equipment.
- Wildfire smoke poses future health risks like Parkinson's and dementia.
- Firefighters tackled multiple blazes on the hottest day of the year.
Dr. Donna Oldbury-Thomas, leading a wildfire prevention project at Coventry University, experienced a personal blaze on her farm in Wales, intensifying her resolve. The incident underscored the critical need for solutions to wildfires, which have recently led to government alerts and widespread damage.
The "Power Ponies" project involves training native ponies to drag specialized equipment, effectively creating firebreaks by managing bracken. This method aims to halt fire progression, enabling firefighters to work more safely and potentially allowing animals to escape flames.
Oldbury-Thomas emphasized the long-term health implications of wildfire smoke, noting that inhaling carbon monoxide can degrade brain cells, increasing risks of conditions like Parkinson's and dementia. She believes this animal-assisted approach is key to addressing the problem on a national scale.
This initiative, recognized as Coventry University's Most Impactful Project of 2025, comes as fire crews in England and Wales faced a record-breaking July with 393 wildfires. The urgency is palpable, as the consequences of these fires extend beyond immediate destruction to future public health.
