Mid-July 2022 saw parts of Suffolk reach temperatures of up to 39C, and the first-ever red weather warning issued for the county. The extreme heat impacted roads, the rail network and emergency services, which came under immense pressure.
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service was forced to declare a major incident for the first time in decades on Tuesday, 19 July, following a surge in fires in the open caused by the heatwave.
Although the Service’s forward planning enabled a quick response to the increase in incidents, it has also had to assist colleagues over the county border, including in Essex and Norfolk, with numerous fire services across the country also declaring a major incident.
Fortunately, the major incident only lasted a day, but additional demand continued, making it one of the busiest summers on record for Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service.
Firefighters responded to more than 500 fires in the open during July and August 2022, compared to just over 100 in the same period in 2021. Most of these were wildfires on farmland, in forests and woodland, or on heaths, which started accidentally due to careless behaviour.
Suffolk is a predominantly rural county, so fires in the open become far more common during prolonged periods of dry weather.
Fires are devastating, causing loss of life and irreversible damage to properties. The tragic scenes we have witnessed recently in mainland Europe and in Hawaii are proof of that.
Thanks to the swift response of Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, property damage last summer was minimised, and lives were saved. But these fires still caused a great deal of disruption, leading to the destruction of trees and wildlife, road closures, and for some farmers a loss of livelihood.
The increase in demand was immensely challenging for our firefighters. They had to work tirelessly in extreme temperatures, whilst dressed in multiple layers of personal protective equipment. This includes our on-call firefighters who also have day jobs, and I would like to thank their employers for allowing them to attend so many incidents last summer.
We can all show our gratitude for Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service by playing our part in reducing fires this summer.
You can make a real difference by following some simple advice during the warmer weather:
- Put your litter in the bin when out and about.
- Avoid barbecues and campfires in public open spaces.
- Ensure that any cigarettes are totally put out and disposed of properly.
- Don’t leave any glass items lying around after a picnic.
Staying safe at home is also crucial. Lots of us will have a barbecue during the summer months, but please ensure you do so away from any flammable materials, such as sheds, fences and hedges, and keep a bucket of water near the barbecue just in case.
The good weather may also tempt you to go for a dip in a lake or river in the hope of cooling down, with wild swimming increasing in popularity. However, before you take the plunge, please remember that around 85% of drownings happen in open water.
Even good swimmers aren’t immune to the danger posed by strong currents, uneven banks and riverbeds, and shock from cold water temperatures. If you must go in open water, please follow guidance from the Royal Life Saving Society to help prevent death or serious injury.
Please do all you can to protect yourself and our county’s countryside, and support Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service this summer.
