Surrey Fire and Rescue Service urges residents to be ‘Wildfire Aware’ following recent fires out in the open

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service are urging residents to be 'Wildfire Aware' this season, after crews have been responding to open fires across the country this April.

Firefighters tackled a wildfire at Ash Ranges last week, affecting 12 hectares of land - the equivalent to 30 football pitches.

The fire and rescue service have also attended other, smaller fires out in the open recently in areas including Sheets Heath Common, Frensham Common and various woodland spots. These fires were largely caused by BBQs, campfires and bonfires burning garden waste.

To prevent more from happening, the service is encouraging everyone to take steps this season to protect open spaces, habitats, homes and businesses, by swapping BBQS for picnics and taking litter home.

For context, 2022 was the UK's hottest year and sadly saw 983 wildfires nationally. This year, we've already seen 286 wildfires-a 156% increase from the same period in 2022. In 2024, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service responded to 231 wildfires in Surrey.

With a dryer than average March, and as the warmer weather continues into April, there's a heightened risk of wildfire across the UK. Surrey is currently covered by the Amber assessment, meaning, wildfire risk is 'very high'.

Wildfires are also common in places like Surrey because of large parts of heathland near urban areas.

Fire Investigation Officer, Matt Oakley said: "Wildfires are easy to start, and spread very quickly, often through BBQs not being extinguished properly, litter left on commons or heaths, or bonfires burning garden waste. It only takes one ember for the dry grass to ignite."

"The dryer-than-average weather last month, and continued warm temperatures are perfect conditions for wildfires to start.

"It's very much an issue that's here to stay, and we can assure residents we're fully equipped and prepared to deal with these types of incidents very effectively."

To have a safe Easter and enjoy Surrey's beauty spots, here is Surrey Fire and Rescue Service's advice to help prevent wildfires:

• Avoid having camping stoves or open fires in the countryside. They can quickly spread and get out of control. Switch your BBQ to a picnic.
• Dispose of smoking materials properly. Throwing cigarette ends on the ground or out of a car window can start a wildfire.
• Put your rubbish in the bin or take it home with you. Bottles and glass can start wildfire as they magnify the sun.
• Be prepared at home by cutting down or clearing areas of high fuel close to your home (vegetation, bushes or piles of leaves). Be aware that dense areas of vegetation, hedges, timber fences or sheds, and dry undergrowth will allow a fire to spread from an open space to your home or business.
• If you spot a fire out in the open, don't attempt to tackle it yourself, leave the area and please call 999.
• For more information, please visit: Wildfire - Surrey County Council (surreycc.gov.uk)

Notes to editors

• The fire and rescue service have also teamed up with The National Trust to spread the word even further, following a fire at nature spot, Box Hill in March. You can read more here.