Ahead of the summer holidays East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is encouraging the local community to be #WildfireReady.
With the increasing risk of wildfires during the dry summer months, the service aims to educate communities and visitors about the importance of wildfire prevention and preparedness. The campaign includes various activities and engagement efforts designed to reduce the occurrence and impact of wildfires in East Sussex.
Station Manager Trevor Funnell, ESFRS Wildfire Lead said:
“Wildfires are unpredictable, can spread quickly, and have a devastating impact on homes, land, wildlife, businesses and the community. We want people to enjoy East Sussex's beautiful surroundings, so it’s crucial to take precautions and assess your home, business or land for risks. We want people to enjoy the summer but enjoy it safely. By working together we can help reduce the risk of wildfires and fires in the open”.
We’re #WildfireReady…
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service aims to reduce the occurrence and impact of wildfires and fires in the open in our local community and below are just some of our recent activities:
Training Exercise
On Tuesday 19 March 2024 regional Fire and Rescue Services attended Pippingford Park on the Ashdown Forest for a joint wildfires training exercise, providing the opportunity to test wildfire response capabilities and collaborative working.
You can find out more here: We’re Wildfire Ready: Regional Fire Services prepare ahead of Wildfire season. | East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (esfrs.org)
Liaison with landowners
Earlier this year, we met with Ashdown Forest Rangers to discuss land management plans to reduce wildfire risks.
We are urging rural land managers and businesses to minimise risk by being #WildfireReady to protect themselves, their land and the community.
To find more information on how, visit: Wildfire advice for rural landowners
But we need members of the public to play their part by enjoying their homes and countryside safely too…
Wildfire Ready leaflets
Last year we launched our We’re Wildfire Ready leaflets, offering advice including:
- Prevention: Only barbecue in designated areas, ensure they are extinguished properly, and never leave them unattended.
- Protecting Yourself and Property: Maintain your property to reduce risks; overgrown vegetation can allow wildfire to spread more easily.
- What to Do in the Event of a Wildfire: Have an escape plan, get to a safe place, and always call 999.
You can find more advice by visiting: We’re Wildfire Ready
FireStoppers
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service has joined the national initiative, FireStoppers, to combat arson and deliberate fire setting.
- If you have information about illegal fire setting and those responsible, please report to firestoppersreport.co.uk online or by phone on 0800 169 5558. It’s 100% anonymous.
- We have posters available should people wish to advertise this initiative on noticeboards to help prevent deliberate fire setting.
For more information on obtaining our ‘We’re Wildfire Ready…Are you?’ leaflets or FireStoppers posters please contact communications@esfrs.org
Competition time!
We will be running a social media campaign and competition to urge people to keep areas safe and ‘pack a picnic’ instead of a barbecue. We will be giving away a Picnic backpack to one lucky winner! But please always remember to take your rubbish home with you!
How to take part:
- Follow us on social media to find the link to the competition web page.
- Take note and remember the important #WildfireReady advice we are sharing.
- Head to the web page, which will be advertised on social media, to submit an answer to a multiple choice question with your email address before midnight on Sunday 28 July.
- The winner, with a correct answer, will be drawn and contacted w/c 29th July.
- Full terms and conditions will be shared on the competition page.
Other useful links/information:
Wildfire Aware - NFCC – National Fire Chiefs Council Wildfire campaign
Wildfire Prevention Advice - NFCC – prevention advice from NFCC
Fsi - Met Office – Check the Fire Severity Index for your area.
Be prepared - advice from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
Dry weather advice from the National Farmers Union
Wildfires UK: Prepare and stay safe (redcross.org.uk) – advice from the Red Cross.
Wildfire risks to UK Landscapes (parliament.uk) – scientific research for Parliament
