Bucks Council issues wildfire warning despite fall in temperatures
Bucks Council is urging residents to continue to follow the authority’s advice on how to remain safe during the ongoing drought.
Despite temperatures falling closer to the average for a UK summer the council is advising residents that extremely dry conditions remain in Buckinghamshire.
The authority also revealed it supports the Government’s decision to put a temporary ban on wildfires.
Councillor Peter Brazier said: “With the exceptionally dry conditions continuing we want to remind residents and people visiting Buckinghamshire of the ongoing heightened risk of wildfires at this time. Even though temperatures have fallen, the dry weather has not changed and the risk from even the slightest flame or spark remains far greater than usual at this time.
“We are asking everyone to stay mindful of the national advice at all times and to avoid any activity that could start a fire. Our trading standards teams are supporting local businesses through the temporary ban on sales of disposable bbqs – if you already have one at home now is not the time to use it. They are already banned in country parks, and we are urging residents to follow the same approach in all parks and open spaces while the risk remains high.”
An emergency alert was sent to people across the UK by the Government five days ago warning of the high potential of wildfires in the country.
Key guidance from the Government states that people should not light fires in the countryside or other open spaces, including parks, moorland and wooded areas.
The Government adds that only barbecues in designated areas should be used at the moment. Hot barbecues should not be left unattended, the Government adds, they must be fully put out and ashes must be cold before it is disposed of.
All rubbish should be removed when people are outside, this includes glass bottles, which can focus the sun’s rays and start a fire, The Government warns. It also urges people to look out for local guidance and signage that might signpost areas where there are heightened risks of wildfires.
Councillor Brazier added: “We are also being mindful of planned events in the county in the coming days and weeks, working alongside partners, and would remind any organisation planning or due to stage an event that they may need to revisit and update risk assessments in line with the current advice.”