An increasing threat - Wildfire

 Bore da pawb,

Sounds dramatic and maybe an odd thing to think about given the amount of rain storm Bert dumped on South Wales in the past few days, but something I am currently working on is mitigating the risk and our response to Wildfire across our estate.

With much of the estate either forested with conifers, dominated by Molinia or prone to drying out and two very lucky escapes in recent years this will be an important exercise to conduct.

South Wales 2022

Well just what is a Wildfire, often heard in relation to the USA and Australia but now much more frequently mentioned in the news during long dry spells of weather.

The definition in the UK  is this 

*The Forestry Commission and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service define wildfire as ‘any uncontrolled vegetation fire which requires a decision or action regarding suppression’. Fire and Rescue Services in England use the same basic definition, but additionally require fires to meet one or more of the below National Operating Guidance criteria: • Involves a geographical area of at least one hectare • Has a sustained flame length of more than 1.5 metres • Requires a committed resource of at least 4 fire appliances • Requires resources to be committed for at least 6 hours • Presents a serious threat to life, environment, property and infrastructure. 

Whilst properly managed "controlled burns" can provide beneficial biodiversity benefit the impact from an uncontrolled and monitored fire can be devastating for  

*Biodiversity Wildfire kills organisms that move too slowly to escape and alters post-fire habitat composition.

Changing fire regimes can alter ecosystems by promoting species that better tolerate fire, at the expense of fire-sensitive species.

Carbon emissions and climate change Global wildfires emitted 2.2 Pg C yr-1 between 1997 and 2016,c compared with an average of 30 Pg C yr-1 over the same period for fossil fuels and industry.

Wildfires have complex effects on soils, vegetation and the atmosphere which may increase or partially offset the climate impacts of wildfire greenhouse gas emissions.

Soil and water Wildfire removes surface vegetation and alters soil properties. This means rainfall reaches watercourses faster in subsequent storms, exacerbating flooding.

Eroded sediment enters watercourses, reducing water quality.

Human health Wildfires present hazards which may injure or kill emergency responders and members of the public. Exposure to wildfire smoke can cause respiratory and cardiovascular health impacts over great distances. Wildfires can increase the prevalence of mental health conditions in impacted communities.

Economic Wildfires affect economies through capital losses, disruption to economic activity and health effects.  

*UK Parliament newsletter By Samuel Tasker, Jonathan Wentworth 15 April 2024

Given the poor weather we have endured since we were spoiled by the weather in 2022, it would be easy to lose sight of this potential threat which is why a plan is important.

Some food for thought!