Wildfires

Hot spotting is the process of pouring a huge amount of water onto smouldering ground fires - often peat soils that have been ignited by slow burning fine fuels very close to the ground.

Ever wondered what it's like on a moorland fire? It's hot, smokey, noisy, scary, dehydrating, energy zapping and sometimes dangerous.

This video taken by a gamekeeper shows the difference between wildfires and controlled burns on moorland.

The BBC has recently reported that the risk of wildfire is increasing across England’s countryside, prompting urgent calls for action to protect landscapes, wildlife, and rural communities.

A devastating wildfire burned 100 acres on Easter Sunday - controlled burning helped contain it. Those who are against burning may want to read this.

Defra must be congratulated on its commitment to protecting our uplands, yet its actions are resulting in them going up in flames.

Since we are experiencing our worst year for wildfires and scientists are predicting climate change to increase these fourfold it’s astonishing that government policy is making the situation even worse, through rapidly increasing the vegetation fuel load.

We recently sent a letter to the Deputy Prime Minister, who is now responsible for handling the urgent threat of wildfire, highlighting how Government policies are exacerbating the problem.

The past few days have witnessed a stark and worrying increase in wildfire incidents across the United Kingdom.

Have you ever wondered what effect poor government policy can have on rural landscapes? Look no further.

The Moorland Association are quoted in this excellent piece by Maureen Hodges on the massive wildfire risk in The Cumberland News.

Before heading to a site with a wildfire, moorland managers should carefully assess several critical factors.