Be wildfire aware this summer

People heading out to enjoy the countryside this summer are being urged to think twice about barbecues, litter and smoking. The Surrey Nature Partnership, a coalition of leading land managers and conservation organisations, has come together with Surrey Fire and Rescue Service to issue a stark warning on outdoor fire safety this summer - but says that simple steps can go a long
way towards keeping our countryside safe.

Increasing temperatures and dry conditions caused by a warming climate are putting our green spaces, including internationally significant heathlands like Chobham Common, Hankley Common and Blackheath Common which are home to rare wildlife
including ground-nesting birds like Nightjars and Dartford Warblers, at high risk of fire this summer. Most wildfires in Surrey are caused by human activity and are preventable. But everyone can do their bit to keep wildlife, people and property safe.

The Surrey Nature Partnership represents organisations including: Surrey Wildlife Trust, Surrey County Council, Forestry Commission, The Woodland Trust, National Trust, Thames Basin Heaths Partnership and Surrey Hills National Landscape among other organisations, is asking people to:

• Swap BBQs for Picnics.  Do not use disposable barbeques, open fires or camping
  stoves on Surrey's heathlands and grasslands. It's far safer to take a picnic.
• Dispose of all smoking equipment safely when outdoors and leave nothing
  behind.
• Take all and any litter home or use litter bins where appropriate. All litter can
  harm wildlife or pose a fire risk.

If you see a fire:

• Report any fires quickly - do not assume it has been reported.
• Call 999 and ask for the Fire Service - share as much information as you can.
• Do not attempt to tackle it yourself. Move to a safe distance and follow
  emergency advice.

Wildfires have been an increasing problem for Surrey's wildlife reserves in recent years, with blazes causing damage on Chobham Common, Whitmoor Common and Barossa to name just three sites. In 2022, a huge fire caused 500 hectares of damage to Pirbright Ranges, a vital site for rare wildlife which could take more than a decade to recover. If  more than one fire of comparable size took place simultaneously, the results could be catastrophic for wildlife, people and property.

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service says
“Wildfires can cause devastating damage to our countryside, wildlife and local communities, often taking years to recover. We’re urging people to take simple steps to reduce the risk. Pack a picnic instead of using a BBQ, and please do not light campfires
or bonfires during this dry weather. Everyone has a role to play in protecting Surrey’s open spaces.”

Several fires have already hit parts of Surrey so far this year, including at Hankley Common near Godalming and Blackheath Common near Guildford and with extreme temperatures already affecting Surrey in the recent heatwave, now is the time for extra vigilance.