Be wildfire aware
We want to keep you and our countryside safe from the dangers of wildfires and fires in the open.
Read our information to:
- learn about wildfires
- know what to do if you come across one
- prevent wildfires from happening.
Understanding what a wildfire is
A wildfire is an uncontrolled fire across a large span of countryside. Wildfires can start in areas such as:
- heathland or moorland
- rail embankments
- fields
- woodlands.
In 2019 we attended 1,792 fires in the open countryside across Devon and Somerset.
Why wildfires are dangerous
Wildfires damage and affect eco-systems, wildlife and animals and occasionally destroy buildings and property. They can spread over vast areas. For this reason, wildfires are some of the biggest fires we attend.
Causes of wildfires
Wildfires can start with a natural occurrence - such as a lightning strike - or a human-made spark. Only 10-15% of wildfires happen on their own in nature. Most are started by human actions such as:
- campfires
- barbecues
- bonfires
- discarded cigarettes
- catalytic converters on cars
- sparks from farm machinery
- glass bottles left on the ground sparking a fire with the sun’s glare
- planned and controlled burning that gets out of control
- arson
- plain carelessness.
It is often the weather conditions that determine how much a wildfire spreads. Strong winds, high temperatures or low rainfall can all leave trees, shrubs, fallen leaves and grass, dry and primed to fuel a fire.
Find out the current wildfire risk in your area (based on weather conditions) using the Met Office Fire Severity Index.
What to do if you see a wildfire
If you are outside:
- stay calm
- ensure you are in a safe location (away from vegetation and smoke)
- if you are in your car, close all windows and vents
- call 999 and inform us of your location – you can use the What3Words app.
If you are at home:
- stay calm
- put yourself in a place of safety - do not try to put out the fire yourself
- keep doors and windows closed, but unlocked
- call 999 and inform us of your location.
How you can prevent wildfires
- Take your litter home.
- Don't throw cigarette ends on the ground or out of car windows.
- Glass in direct sunlight can cause fires - ensure there is none lying around.
- Don’t have campfires or barbecues in the countryside. Only have them in safe designated areas.
How the Service stops and puts out wildfires
A small wildfire can be extinguished by firefighters using hand tools such as a fire beater.
Larger wildfires can take a heavy strain on our resources, are hard to reach and often take many hours (or even days) to put out completely. We use:
- all-terrain vehicles (providing we can easily access hard to reach areas)
- specialist equipment such as water pumps
- bowsers
- helicopters.
We often work with partners such as the police (for arson-related wildfires), national parks, local farmers and landowners, and local search and rescue services.
Wildfires we’ve had in Devon and Somerset
We’ve had many significant wildfires over the years. All wildfires present different problems and challenges to the fire service - often due to the conditions and accessibility.
A recent wildfire in Kingswear, South Devon destroyed two and a half square kilometres of coastal woodland and took just under 70 hours and 1,254 personnel hours to put out. The fire took place on a clifftop and was started by a disposable barbecue.
This fire took 48 fire engines and 15 special appliances, including:
- three water jets
- a helicopter providing water from the air
- a fog spike
- a fogging unit
- a light portable pump
- various beaters
- small tools.
Below are some photos from the Kingswear wildfire.
