Fire chief appeals for landowners across Burnley, Pendle and Ribble Valley to help cut risk of wildfires

An appeal for landowners to put off the 'end of burn' season has been made by Lancashire Fire and Rescue as it faces new challenges brought by the coronavirus outbreak.
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Group Manager Shaun Walton, who is also the National Fire Council's wildfire group deputy chairman and wildfire tactical advisor, said that while they recognise that for landowners and managers there will be a strong desire to take advantage of the better weather conditions, he would ask them to be mindful of the wider challenges facing the service.

He said: "Whilst the conditions may be good for burning, they are also perfect for wildfires.

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“It is vitally important that we all take proactive and responsible steps to reduce the likelihood of wildfires starting.

A fire chief has appealed for landowners to help combat the risk of wildfires during the pandemicA fire chief has appealed for landowners to help combat the risk of wildfires during the pandemic
A fire chief has appealed for landowners to help combat the risk of wildfires during the pandemic

“We find ourselves in an ever changing, challenging and unprecedented time and we’re urging landowners and managers to exercise caution when considering controlled burns and only carry out burns if they are essential."

Group manager Walton added that Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service is working hard to ensure they were able to support the people of Lancashire with effective incident response and support for the most vulnerable during this outbreak and he urged caution to members of the public adding: " Deliberate fires are frustrating to experience at any time but especially so now, when we all find ourselves adjusting to an ever changing and challenging situation.

"There has been a recent increase in fires thought to have been started deliberately across the county over recent days and sadly we know that as a service we are not alone in seeing this trend."

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