With little more than a spark and a breeze enough to set Jersey’s gorse-covered landscapes alight, firefighters are urging islanders to play their part in helping to avoid wildfires this summer.
Station Commander Mark Bailey-Walker, from the Fire Safety department, explained that wildfires can start and spread “rapidly”, especially in open areas during dry spells.
“We have lots of patches of gorse around Jersey, which means these areas are especially at risk,” he continued.
“With the amount of dry fuel currently around and a breeze, any fire that takes hold has a chance of growing rapidly into an incredibly significant blaze.”
He noted that, even if the likelihood of a major incident was low, the potential impact that a wildfire could have on Jersey’s environment, wildlife and public safety was “significant”.
“Prevention is key – and we’re asking everyone to play their part,” he added.
In a statement, the JFRS explained that its partners at Jersey Met monitor existing conditions and predicted weather to determine and update the level of wildfire risk throughout the year.
“Islanders are urged to report any signs of smoke or fire immediately by calling 999,” the statement added.
TIPS…
The service has issued a number of “simple, preventative steps” that can be taken to avoid wildfires:
- Avoid using barbecues or open flames in grassy or wooded areas
- Never leave a fire or barbecue unattended
- Throw away barbecue ashes carefully
- Never discard cigarette ends on the ground or out of car windows
- Don’t use a bonfire to get rid of garden rubbish. Take it to the green waste at La Collette
- Don’t leave bottles or glass in the countryside, as sunlight on glass can start fires
Additional seasonal safety guidance is available on the Fire and Rescue Service’s website.