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UK Forests Face 'Mediterranean Fire Weather'
24 Jun
Summary
- Extreme heat poses significant wildfire risk to England's largest forests.
- Wildfire adviser warns of challenging scenarios due to Mediterranean-style weather.
- Concerns raised about capacity if multiple large wildfires occur.
Guardians of England's largest forests are bracing for extreme challenges as "Mediterranean-style fire weather" is predicted to increase wildfire risks. A red warning for extreme heat has been issued by the Met Office for Wednesday and Thursday, affecting major cities and rural areas across England and Wales.
Rob Gazzard, a wildfire adviser for the Forestry Commission, stated that "extreme scenarios are going to be very challenging" for the organization. He highlighted that while most wildfires remain small, multiple large blazes could strain capacity, similar to the "challenging" 2018 season and a significant moorland fire in North Yorkshire last year.
More than 800 wildfires were recorded on July 19, 2022, when temperatures reached 40.3C. London Fire Brigade responded to numerous incidents, including grassland and woodland fires, with 16 homes destroyed in Wennington, east London. The Forestry Commission's primary concern remains preventing small fires from escalating into larger ones.
Suggestions for managing wildfire risk include a potential "rating system" to restrict activities in high-risk areas, such as banning disposable barbecues. Electronic road signage could inform the public about heightened risk zones and control measures.
