Cambridgeshire County Council is taking steps to reduce the risk of wildfires across nature reserves and green spaces and is encouraging the public to support this after a continued spell of hot, dry weather.
Ensuring access points are maintained to support emergency response, monitoring sites closely, managing vegetation and working with local communities, volunteers, and partner organisations to improve the resilience of sites to climate-related risks are just some of the ways the County Council is responding to the continued dry weather which has affected the whole county this summer.
Focused work has taken place in the village of Somersham where a firebreak has been created between the nature reserve and surrounding woods to slow or prevent the spread of fire if this occurred.
The firebreak involves cutting longer grass and vegetation very short so if the grass does catch fire, then it won’t leap across into other vegetation.
The council is encouraging the public to join them in simple actions which help reduce the risk of wildfires:
- Do not use disposable barbecues or have open fires on or near open grass areas, peatland, and woodland areas.
- Take all litter home, particularly glass bottles, cans and other reflective materials that could contribute to fire risk.
- Dispose of cigarettes and matches responsibly.
- Report signs of fire, smoke, or unsafe fire related behaviour quickly by calling 999.
- Take part in local litter picks and conservation volunteering activities.
- Join local Friends Groups and volunteer events that help look after nature reserves.
Councillor Ros Hathorn, Chair of the Environment and Green Investment Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “Hotter, drier summers are increasing the risk of wildfires across the countryside, but we can all play a part in protecting nature and reducing the risk of fires with simple actions, which make a significant difference in protecting wildlife, farmland, public access, and local communities.
“Our annual Quality of Life Survey last year showed that 79% of respondents would like the council to do more when it comes to climate change and this work to protect local areas and wildlife demonstrates how we are working with communities to understand and manage the effects of a changing climate whilst protecting nature habitats and wildlife.”
For more information about the Government’s recent temporary ban on disposable BBQs and how to help prevent wildfires visit https://prepare.campaign.gov.uk/be-informed-about-hazards/wildfires/
