The risk of wildfires breaking out across the Isle of Wight has dramatically increased in recent days, with the risk now considered to be ‘very high’ – prompting a warning to be issued.
Local weather forecasters IW Met Service say that a lack of rainfall through May, June and July has turned the ground tinder-dry in many areas. This, alongside the hot weather being experienced this week, fuels the situation.
A weather warning for fire risk has been issued and is valid until Sunday, with an extension to the warning entirely possible. Forecasters have a 80% confidence level with an impact level of 75%.
The areas most at risk are on South and Southwest facing slopes and hills, especially along the South and West of the Island – but not exclusively so. Discarded cigarettes, barbeques and even litter such has bottles or broken bits of glass can be a significant fire hazard, so avoid using any type of naked flame in these areas and always take your litter home with you.
If you see a fire in the countryside, contact the fire service immediately on 999. Do not attempt to tackle fires that cannot be put out with a bucket of water.
Remember, do not discard cigarettes or other smoking materials in the countryside. It is also important to clear away bottles, glasses and any broken glass to avoid them magnifying the sun and starting a fire.
Always take extra care if using a barbecue and only light fires or BBQs in designated areas. Never leave a campfire or BBQ unattended and extinguish them properly after you have finished using them.
Definitely something to be aware of, people. Be responsible. As we know on Ventnor seafront, buildings completely saturated by rain, can spontaneously combust under no suspicious circumstances. Look after yourselves and your environment, because certain authorities won’t. Fire Brigade excellent, councils have questions to answer.
All we can hope is the school Summer recess is as it often is, wet and miserable.
Otherwise the future adult low life will be honing their skills in arson to video the effects for a laugh, as countless creatures are burnt to a painful death.
The skills may enhance their chances later in life when unwanted buildings with listed status need to be removed to make certain developers wealthier