RESIDENTS have been warned to prepare themselves as climate change brings more wildfires to Worcestershire.
A wildfire in Harvington last week, which brought flames within metres of people’s homes and forced them to flee, has prompted the warning.
Worcestershire has faced a series of fires in recent weeks, including on Welland Road near Upton upon Severn, at a farm in Radford, and on the embankment of the M5.
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Warnings issued across Worcestershire
Fire stations across the county have already issued warnings against disposable barbecues, cigarettes and glass, all of which can spark a fire.
In Malvern, rangers at the Malvern Hills Trust are ramping up their fire management, citing climate change as a reason for the increased risk.
Wychavon District Council has now echoed these concerns and said hotter and drier summers mean it expects to see more frequent wildfires.
“As climate change brings hotter, drier summers, wildfires are no longer something we just watch happening elsewhere on TV,” a spokesperson said.
“We’re urging communities across Wychavon to prepare for the growing risk.”
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How to prepare
The authority has shared advice on how residents and communities can prepare themselves:
What is the current wildfire risk in Worcestershire?
After weeks of hot and dry weather, with very little rain, Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service has said there is a “high” wildfire risk across the region.
“Wildfire incidents are increasing across the region, with some linked to BBQ use in hot and dry conditions,” a spokesperson said.
“Even a small spark or discarded disposable BBQ can ignite dry grass and vegetation, causing a fire to spread rapidly.
“Avoid taking BBQs into countryside locations, parks, grassland, or woodland areas.”
