Simple steps to prevent wildfires
June 10, 2025
People are being urged to take extra care over the coming weeks and months to prevent wildfires.
After a particularly dry and warm spring, the risk of wildfires is high.
Last month a wildfire – believed to have been started by a campfire – destroyed eight hectares of beautiful heathland at Chapel Common, near Milland, West Sussex.
The biggest thing people can do to avoid a repeat of this is to never use disposable barbecues or light open fires in the countryside under any circumstances.
Disposable barbecues can be particularly dangerous fire hazards as the ground beneath often remains searingly hot for hours after it has been removed, with the potential to ignite dry vegetation and posing a risk to any human, or animal, that might walk over the scorched earth. Wind can carry smouldering ash and embers from disposable barbecues, spreading the fire to other areas.
Olivia French, who leads the National Park’s heathlands project team, said: “The National Park has a number of incredibly rare and sensitive heathland sites, as well as chalk grasslands, scheduled monuments and forests, and all are very vulnerable to wildfires. This time of year is ground nesting season, which makes it even more important to be vigilant, with rare bird, amphibian and reptile populations across the National Park at risk and not able to escape to safety in time.
“It’s more important than ever that people do their bit to care for wildlife by not using disposable barbecues or lighting fires in the countryside. It’s just not worth the risk of the terrible damage it could do to internationally-important wildlife habitats, as well as farmland.
“Consider having a picnic instead as there are some wonderful picnic locations in the National Park. There is also a dedicated barbecue site at Queen Elizabeth Country Park that is safe for visitors to use.
“Please properly dispose of cigarettes, matches, glass and litter to prevent fire hazards.”
If anyone does see a fire, or the first signs of smoke from a fire, make sure to get to a safe place and please dial 999 immediately and request the fire service.