Keep the New Forest safe for everyone to enjoy
At last, the sunshine is out and long lazy days out in the New Forest beckon.
But before you bring your picnic or buy sausages for a barbecue, please remember to keep the forest safe for all.
Forest Watch, a partnership which includes the New Forest National Park Authority, Forestry Commission, Hampshire Constabulary and Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service is working hard to prevent fires breaking out - and you can help.
With little rainfall over recent weeks, the national press has reported large scale fires across the country. Incidents in the New Forest reached well into double figures over the Easter break. With the prospect of a dry summer ahead, the risk of both accidental and deliberate fires is high. Not only are they a threat to human life, but also to the animals and vegetation.
New Forest Group Manager, Steve Quinn, based at Lyndhurst Fire Station said: "We don't want to prevent people from making the most of our countryside, but our top priority is safety. When there has been a significant dry spell do not underestimate how easily fires can start.
“We urge the public to take care when in the countryside and to alert the Service to fires as early as possible by calling 999. An early call could mean the difference between a small, easily controllable fire and a widespread, devastating fire.”
Hampshire Constabulary are also issuing a warning about deliberate fire starting, Sergeant Louise Hubble said: “Tragically, some fires are not started accidentally. We are fully committed to actively pursue those responsible for deliberate and reckless fire starting. If you see anybody deliberately starting fires dial 999. Anyone with information that could help us to catch the culprits can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
A number of initiatives are already in place to help reduce the potential fire risk in the New Forest. Re-usable cigarette pouches will be handed out free to visitors across the area in an effort to reduce the incidence of accidental fires. Each cardboard box safely snuffs out a lit cigarette end, enabling it to be taken home and discarded of appropriately.
The Forestry Commission’s ‘Safe Barbecue Code’ can be found at: www.forestry.gov.uk/newforest, and is displayed at picnic sites across the New Forest. Currently, the fire risk is set at ‘Extreme’ and people are asked not to barbecue in the forest unless at designated BBQ sites, until the risk diminishes. Updated information will be available on the website, from the Forest Office and staff.
Nick Tucker, Head of Recreation and Community Engagement for the Forestry Commission said; “We want everyone to have an enjoyable time visiting our forests, but we take extremely seriously the threat posed by fire. The weather has been great for exploring the woods, but it’s important to remember that even a carelessly discarded cigarette or barbecue can spark a fire. Chinese lanterns are also becoming increasingly popular and pose a great risk to forest and heath land habitats, as well as to smallholdings. We urge people to think twice before setting them off in the forest.”
Alison Barnes, Chief Executive of the New Forest National Park Authority added: “We have already seen from other parts of the country how devastating such fires can be to wildlife, communities and visitors. Clearly the Forest is in the same position as we await significant rainfall. Everyone has a part to play in keeping the Forest safe and special.”
As a final reminder, if you do see a fire in the countryside, contact Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service immediately:
- Phone the fire and rescue service - dial 999 •Give a map reference if possible, otherwise give a landmark such as a farm or pub to help locate the fire
- Estimate the size of the area that's burning
- Describe the type of terrain (grass, bracken, forest, open moorland etc)
- Evacuate the area as soon as possible.
Ends
Editors notes:
Forest Watch is a partnership set up to tackle issues within rural communities throughout the New Forest District. Eight partner agencies form the core Steering Group; Hampshire Constabulary (Chair), National Park Authority, Natural England, National Farmers Union, Forestry Commission, Environment Agency, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and New Forest District Council.
The Forestry Commission has a number of designated barbecue sites where running water is available:
Use disposable barbecues only on the metal plates fixed to picnic tables at Bolderwood, Wilverley and Blackwater
Use raised non-disposable barbecues at Anderwood, Blackwater, Bolderwood, Hatchet Pond, Linford Bottom, Whitefield Moor, and Wilverley car parks.
Or hire a barbecue site at Wilverley or Anderwood car park.
Additional safety advice: Never start a campfire as they can get out of hand very quickly. Do not throw cigarettes out of car windows or drop them on the forest floor when you are driving or walking in the New Forest. Use a portable ashtray.
Never drop glass of any kind on the Forest floor; this can sometimes start a fire, not to mention cutting somebody or injuring an animal if it is broken.
For a portable ashtray or to book a designated barbecue site contact the Forestry Commission on 023 8028 3141.
For further information, please contact:
Deborah Beaton
Communications Officer
Tel: 023 8062 6812
Email: deborah.beaton@hantsfire.gov.uk
Web: www.hantsfire.gov.uk
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters
Leigh Road
Eastleigh
Hampshire
SO50 9SJ
Marketing and Communications Department
Telephone: 023 8064 4000 / 023 8062 6812
Email: marketing.communications@hantsfire.gov.uk
