Rise in incidents recorded by Avon Fire & Rescue during heatwave

The Avon Fire and Rescue Service was called to 1,167 fires during last summer's heatwave in July, August and September. 

The figures show a 70 per cent increase on the same period in 2021, when the fire service was called to 687 fires.

Of the 1,167 fires in Avon last year, 383 of them were 'primary fires', which occured in a non-derelict building, vehicle or outdoor structure or involved a fatality, casualty or rescue, or were attended by five or more pumping appliances.

This was an 18 per cent increase on the same period in 2021, when there were 324 primary fires.

There were also 783 secondary fires, which are generally small outdoor fires that do not involve people or property. 

This is more than double the number in summer 2021, when there were 362.

The Met Office has since revealed 2022 was the joint-hottest summer on record in England, with temperatures reaching 40.3°C at Coningsby in Lincolnshire.

The Avon service operates across North Somerset, Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire.

It has reminded residents to take care when lighting barbeques or bonfires during periods of hot and dry weather to reduce the risk of wildfires. 

A spokesperson for the Avon Fire & Rescue Service said: “While many of us look forward to the hot weather, soaring temperatures can increase fire risk in our communities.

“While barbeques are enjoyed in the summer months, we remind local people that barbeques and bonfires pose a significant risk in dry weather.

“If you use a barbeque, you must use it well out of the way of trees, fences, bushes and other garden furniture.

“Even the smallest spark from a fire or barbeque can travel metres and cause significant fires to spread.

“As the weather heats up this summer, we encourage local people and visitors to consider a sandwich instead of a barbeque this year – it’s not worth the risk.

“With lack of rainfall, surrounding areas can remain very dry which can contribute to fires quicky spreading out of control.

"We want to keep ourselves, local people and countryside safe all year and to reduce wildfires in the summer months, we encourage you to take your litter home, ensure there is no glass lying around in direct sunlight, avoid having bonfires in very dry weather and teach your children about the dangers of playing with fire.

“Sadly, many wildfires are started deliberately or are due to careless, reckless, or irresponsible behaviours.

“If you see or suspect someone acting suspiciously, recklessly, or irresponsibly contact the police on 101 or pass information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Across England, July to September 2022 saw more fires than in any other three-month period for over a decade.

There were 68,278 recorded fires, more than in a single quarter since 2011.

The government has been warned that more extreme weather linked to climate change will mean more fire risks to the public, and faces calls for more investment from the firefighters' union.

Matt Wrack, general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union warned climate change means fire services need to do more to prepare for future extreme weather, and the impact it has on firefighters.

He said: “The Government has turned a blind eye to the obvious: the climate emergency means record breaking heatwaves. Rising temperatures mean an increase in dangerous fires. More fires mean more pressure on firefighters and our fire service.

“However, our fire service has been cut to the bone over the last decade, and 11,500 firefighter jobs have been slashed since 2010.

“The fire and rescue service must urgently plan for this coming summer and for the future. This must involve properly funding and resourcing our service for the years to come.

“Politicians and chief fire officers have ignored years of warnings. Now they must act.”

A Home Office spokesperson acknowledged the increase in fire numbers, but pointed out there had been no corresponding increase in fire-related fatalities compared to the previous year.

They said: “The government is committed to ensuring fire services have the resources they need to keep us safe, including from wildfires, and, overall, fire and rescue authorities received around £2.5 billion in 2022-23.”