Fear of wild fires rise

A leading wildlife charity has joined forces with emergency services to warn of the rising risks that fire is posing to some of the region's most treasured landscapes. More than a month of hot weather has left parts of the countryside dry and vulnerable to wild fires. Devon Wildlife Trust has become concerned enough about the risk of wild fires affecting its nature reserves that it's now teamed up with Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service to promote a message about safe and responsible use of rural areas. Steve Hussey from Devon Wildlife Trust said: 'Wild fires can be devastating for wildlife, as well as potentially dangerous for people and damaging to farmland. Heathlands, with their coverings of dry gorse and grass, are particularly vulnerable when the weather remains hot for several weeks. At present many heathlands are in 'tinder-box' condition.' Steve continued: 'Fires can quickly spread and overwhelm sites, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. They are especially threatening to the region's precious heathlands and their wildlife. This is a habitat which has declined by more than 80% in the last 200 years. The few remaining heaths are key places for rare wildlife which includes Dartford warblers, common lizards and adders.' Devon Wildlife Trust is asking people to take special care on all its 48 nature reserves but especially on its heathland sites which include Chudleigh Knighton Heath and Bovey Heathfield nature reserves near Bovey Tracey, and Venn Ottery and Bystock nature reserves in East Devon. The charity is now working with Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service to promote a message which combines responsible use of the countryside with vigilance. Paul Slaven of Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service said: 'We want to remind people to be mindful of the impact and damage that wild fires have on the environment. These fires also a have a further impact, tying up valuable fire resources for some time.' The fire service is advising people to be vigilant in rural areas and follow this simple advice:
* extinguish cigarettes and other smoking materials properly;
* never throw cigarette ends out of car windows;
* don't leave bottles or glass in the countryside - sunlight shining through glass can start fires; take them home or put them in a waste or recycling bin;
* avoid using open fires (including barbeques) in the countryside;
* 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 and call 999.
Devon Wildlife Trust's Steve Hussey concluded: 'We are doing our bit to protect our wonderful countryside from the risk of fire. Our staff and volunteers are remaining vigilant, cutting fire breaks and ensuring that fire-beaters are in position. But with 48 nature reserves in Devon we have a lot of ground to cover. That's why the public's help is so important. What we're asking people to do is follow the good advice of the Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service.' The appeal for vigilance comes after recent reports of wild fires in other parts of the country including East London, Essex and Kent. In 2011, a large wild fire also destroyed a third of Dorset Wildlife Trust's Upton Heath nature reserve near Wareham killing many rare plants and animals.