Most wildfires in the UK are started by human activity, so small actions can make a big difference.

• Avoid lighting barbecues or campfires in dry areas, take a picnic instead
• If you smoke, dispose of cigarettes responsibly
• If you spot signs of a wildfire, move to a safe location and call 999 immediately

Wildfire smoke can also affect people’s health, especially those with asthma, heart or lung conditions, older people, young children and pregnant women, so it’s important to help prevent fires before they start.

Find out more in this blog from the UK Health Security Agency.

Every year, Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) attend many gorse/vegetation fires that are also known as wildfires. 

Last year the number of wildfires in Cornwall increased by 80% compared with the previous year and there were on average almost two wildfires per week.

Help protect the countryside

Fires in the countryside can easily be started accidentally, or even deliberately. A carelessly discarded cigarette can lead to a huge fire, where the results to the wildlife can be devastating, so please follow this code and help to keep Cornwall’s countryside free from fire.

• Do not discard cigarettes in the countryside.
• Do not leave glass items around after a picnic or barbecue.  Put them in the bin. Remember the fire safety information on Barbecues.
• Only light fires or barbecues in designated areas using the facilities provided.
• Fires must be built at least 10m downwind from vegetation, tents and caravans.
• Clear a patch of bare earth to build the fire on.
• Ensure the fire collapses inwards when it burns.
• Do not leave it unattended.
• Never use petrol or paraffin on a fire.
• Do not put batteries, aerosols or other gas cylinders on the fire.
• If you see a fire in the countryside, report it immediately.
• Don’t attempt to tackle fires that can’t be put out with a bucket of water – leave the area as quickly as possible.

Irresponsible behaviour

Anyone with information on fires being deliberately started in the countryside are advised to anonymously call Crimestoppers free on 0800 555 111 or contact Devon and Cornwall Police on 101 with information.

Arson puts both the public and firefighters at unnecessary risk. It ties up resources that could be in demand for other more serious incidents.

A lot of Cornwall is covered by on-call firefighters, so there’s also a significant cost to each incident. Visit the Crimestoppers website.