Firefighters across Hampshire and Isle of Wight have dealt with nearly nine times more outdoor fires in the first two weeks of August than 2021.
The staggering 764 per cent increase has seen crews tackle 484 fires in the open between August 1 and 14 August - compared to just 56 over the same period in last year.
Crews, Control room operators and support teams have been exceptionally busy responding to these incidents, with prolonged periods of hot and dry conditions increasing the risk of fires in the open from starting and spreading quickly.
Although the extreme conditions of the four-day heatwave experienced at the end of last week have passed - and rain has been falling - the public are still being urged to take extra care with much of the ground still tinder dry.
Assistant Director for Prevention and Protection, Jason Avery, said:
“Our firefighters, officers and support teams have been working incredibly hard in challenging and difficult conditions.
“I thank them all for their outstanding efforts and pay tribute to their commitment. Many of our firefighters are on-call and the dedication they’ve shown to our communities, as well as the sacrifices made by their families and employers who have supported them in carrying out their firefighting roles alongside their main jobs, has been incredible.
“We know temperatures are due to drop this week and you might think this will reduce the chance of fires in the open, but the ground still remains very dry, meaning the risk of wildfires has not gone away.
“Please continue to follow some simple steps to keep everyone safe. Don’t light bonfires, campfires or barbecues in the countryside, our parks, commons and open spaces.
“It only takes one ember, one fire left to smoulder, or one unattended bonfire to spark a fire that has the potential to cause devastation and put lives and property at risk.
“Pack a picnic, not a disposable barbecue, and please get rid of cigarettes and other rubbish, including glass bottles, responsibly.
“We will always be there to respond in an emergency, but anything the public can do to help us reduce preventable fires caused by bonfires, barbecues and campfires is appreciated.”
If you spot a fire dial 999 immediately and get to a safe place.
Download What3Words on your phone and use it to help locate fires quicker.
Report deliberate fire-setting to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 11 or the Police on 101.
Don’t dial 999 to report a bonfire unless it is unattended and an emergency.
New £6.7m Mental Health Facility To Open On Newport High Street
'Shocking, Misplaced And Reckless': Village Residents Hit Out At Housing Plan
Highest Number Of Police Officers For Hampshire And Isle Of Wight Constabulary In A Decade
Emergency Services Called To Newport Petrol Station After Car Crashes Into Kiosk
"There's Likely To Be In Excess Of 200 Redundancies": Island Trade Unionists On School Plans
High Sheriff Presents Inaugural Maritime Volunteers Award To Cowes RNLI Station
Education Cabinet Member Faces Renewed Round Of Questions From Concerned Residents
Man Jailed After burglaries Armed With Baseball Bat And Firearm
Retailers Say Hampshire & Isle Of Wight Constabulary Is Best At Responding To Retail Crime
Full Council Opposes School Closure Plans In Blow To Cabinet
Eight Electric Vehicle Charging Bays Could Be Installed In Isle Of Wight Town Centre
New Drop-In Sessions Announced For Isle Of Wight Dementia Strategy Review
Plans To Enhance Luxury Freshwater Seafront Hotel Approved
Thousands Of Pounds Of Investment Needed If Housing Development Goes
Isle Of Wight College Firearm Report Sees 17 Year-Old Arrested In Cowes
Major Island Policy Forum To Consider Plans Aiming To Make Suicide Prevention 'Everybody's Business'
Latest Scam Warnings Issued For Isle Of Wight
First Acts Announced For Cowes Fringe 2025
Six Island Charities Supported By WightAID In Final Giving Round Of 2024
Two New Sites For Isle Of Wight's Gift To Nature
