Lancashire firefighters at heart of new national service to tackle wildfires

Lancashire firefighters will be at the heart of a new service to tackle wildfires across the whole of England.

The county’s existing specialist wildfire unit, based at Bacup fire station, has been chosen as one of five new centres from which teams of trained personnel can be deployed nationwide.

The move aims to strengthen the response to large-scale countryside blazes as the risk of them breaking out increases amid rising temperatures and prolonged periods of dry weather.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that its new national wildfire role will “further enhance” its ability to support “complex incidents” – both in the county and across the country.   All of the new teams have undergone preparatory training in recent months in the latest strategies for wildfire fighting.

However, the Bacup-based firefighters are already recognised for having advanced capabilities in that domain – including tactical expertise and experience of operating in challenging terrain – garnered from responding to incidents within Lancashire itself.

Back in 2018, a blaze destroyed seven square miles of moorland around Winter Hill, near Chorley and Bolton, while a disposable barbecue caused a large fire on Darwen Moor in 2020.

The county’s fire service also boasts specialist vehicles for responding to wildfires, which were on display during a government visit to Lancashire on Thursday to mark the launch of the new national set-up.

Building safety minister Samantha Dixon saw kit including a new off-road ‘Unimog’ vehicle which has been delivered to form part of the England-wide response capability.   She also met Lancashire’s Operational Search dogs, who are trained to respond to a wide range of events, including natural disasters, victim recovery and search and rescue.

Chief Fire Officer Jon Charters said after the visit:  ”We are incredibly proud of the work taking place across Lancashire – and Bacup is a great example of that.

“The team has developed into a highly skilled and capable wildfire asset that will now support communities not just locally, but across the UK.

“We will continue to work innovatively, building on our experience and partnerships, to make our communities safer and strengthen our response to emerging risks.”

The new arrangements to help better protect the countryside and its residents are coming with a broader £97m government investment in new vehicles and other kit – the largest upgrade in 20 years.

Samantha Dixon said:  “This country benefits from a dedicated fire and rescue service and as incidents continue to evolve in complexity, it’s critical that we back those on the frontline with the latest equipment.

“Last year saw some of our most devastating wildfires in recent history and as we head into peak season, we’re getting on and delivering the resource, training and assets needed to minimise the escalating risk.”

As well as in Lancashire, the new wildfire teams will be based in Greater Manchester, Northumberland, London and South Wales.

STOPPING WILDFIRES BEFORE THEY START

The fire service in Lancashire says most wildfires – many of which are sparked by human activity – could be prevented by small changes in behaviour.

A public space protection order covering parts of Chorley, Darwen and Bolton actively bans any activities on moorland that carry a significant risk of causing wildfires – including lighting barbeques, building or lighting campfires or camping stoves, or setting off fireworks or night-sky paper lanterns. Breaching the order is a criminal offence and could result in a fine of up to £1,000.

County-wide, people visiting and living in the countryside are advised to:

***avoid using disposable barbecues in open areas and instead take a picnic 

***never light campfires on moorland or in the countryside;

***not to smoke in the countryside or at least to dispose of cigarettes safely and never throw them from car windows;

***take all litter home, particularly glass, which can start fires in sunlight;

*** not to burn off garden rubbish during hot weather if they live close to woodland or heathland;

***call 999 immediately if they see smoke or flames.