Firefighters have faced soaring demand and an increased risk of heat stress as prolonged dry weather increases the risk of fires across Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes.

Firefighters were called to 412 fires in the open between July 1 and August 11, a 196 per cent increase compared with the average for the same period during the previous three years.

The service also recorded a 68 per cent rise in calls to its control room and a 42 per cent increase in incidents attended during the six-week period.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) said crews had endured an “exceptionally demanding summer”, with significant grassland, field and outdoor fires across the service area.

A spike in incidents have been reported this summer

placeholder image — A spike in incidents have been reported this summer

Firefighters from the service have also supported larger incidents across service borders.

Kieron Thomas, FBU regional health and safety representative, said: “We have seen significant grassland, field and outdoor fires across the service area.

“These incidents can be extremely resource intensive. A wildfire can develop rapidly, spread over a very large area and require multiple crews, specialist vehicles and water supplies for many hours.

“Even after the visible fire is extinguished, firefighters can remain committed for considerable periods damping down and dealing with hotspots.

“Prolonged periods of extreme heat and dry conditions create an environment where vegetation ignites more readily, and fires can spread with greater speed and intensity.”

Mr Thomas said the union had described this as “one of the worst summers of wildfires the UK has experienced”.

He added: “Wildfire firefighting is incredibly physically demanding. Crews can spend many hours working in high ambient temperatures, exposed to radiant heat, wearing protective equipment, carrying equipment and working across difficult terrain.”

The FBU said traditional structural firefighting PPE could place extra physical strain on crews working for long periods in extreme heat. It warned that firefighters without appropriate lightweight PPE could face increased risks of heatstroke, exhaustion and burns.

Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service said the increase in demand had stretched its teams, but it had maintained its usual emergency response capability and continued, on average, to meet its ten-minute response standard.

Area commander for response and resilience Paul Scanes said: “I would like to recognise the tremendous efforts of our firefighters and control room operators who continue to work incredibly hard throughout these challenging extreme weather conditions, firefighting, carrying out rescues and responding to all our emergency calls.

“Our people are our most important asset. We recognise the physical demands that periods of extreme heat can place on firefighters and other staff, particularly when dealing with incidents in full personal protective equipment.”

Residents are being urged to avoid disposable barbecues, bonfires, fireworks and sky lanterns while conditions remain exceptionally dry, and to call 999 from a safe place if they see an outdoor fire developing.