Very high wildfire risk in West UK due to heatwave
Farmers and fire services have urged caution as a very high wildfire risk is declared in the West of England due to the ongoing heatwave.
The Full Story
A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.
Very high wildfire risk in West UK due to heatwave
The West of England is facing a very high wildfire risk as the ongoing heatwave dries out the land. Fire services and farmers have urged the public to be extremely cautious, warning that a single spark from a bonfire or barbecue could start a devastating fire.
In Somerset, the ground is described as tinder-dry and normally green pastures have turned brown and dusty. A local farmer, Mark, who has lived in the area all his life, said this is the driest he has ever seen. He is having to supplement feed for his cows because there is no grass. He also noted that combine harvesters are carrying fire extinguishers, and asked people not to discard naked flames or use disposable barbecues.
The warning comes after a wildfire in Ilminster only a few days ago, and a combine harvester fire in another part of Somerset. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has declared an exceptionally high risk of wildfires this week. The area had severe flooding earlier this year, highlighting the extreme weather swings.
The public is advised to avoid activities that could start fires, and to report any signs of fire immediately. The situation is being closely monitored as the heatwave continues.
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | BBC One |
|---|---|
| A combine harvester caught fire in Somerset. | |
| A very high wildfire warning was issued for the West of England, including Somerset. | |
| A wildfire occurred in Ilminster, Somerset, a few days ago. |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
This channel focused on the local impact in Somerset, using a reporter on location to show the dry conditions. It gave a platform to a local farmer to express concerns, and contrasted the current drought with earlier flooding. The tone was urgent and cautionary, with specific examples of recent fires.
- “Might look more like Australia at the moment, though. Look how dry and dusty this ground is here.”
- “This is the driest you've ever seen, isn't it? Yes. I mean, I've been here all my life, and we're now drier than I think we've ever been.”
- “we would ask people out walking, enjoying the countryside, please don't discard naked flames, don't have throwaway barbecues or barbecues, and just, if you see anything, report it very quickly.”
Broadcast Timeline
News broadcasts tracked for this story, in time order.