By Ruth Bateman, the Arson Reduction Manager at North Wales Fire and Rescue Service.
As we move out of winter and into spring, a lot of my work will focus on trying to prevent and reduce the number of countryside fires we attend.
During drier periods, fires involving grass, bracken and heather can develop very quickly, especially in raised winds, resulting in fires getting out of control and spreading to neighbouring properties or forestry, with the need for the fire and rescue service to be called out to extinguish them.
I’d also urge visitors to the countryside to take extra care when they are out and about and reduce the risk of accidental fires. Make sure that any smoking materials are put out properly and if you are out camping, again make sure that campfires or barbecues are fully extinguished.
I would also like to take the opportunity to reinforce our messages that while accidents can happen, there are others within our communities who are deliberately setting fire to our countryside – not only is this a crime, for which they will be prosecuted, but it also places unnecessary pressure on front line services and puts our communities in harm’s way. I would encourage anyone with information relating to such crimes to call 101, or to report anonymously to CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.