Posted: 7:01 PM, July 19, 2022
Updated: 19:07, July 19, 2022
Suffolk became the latest county to declare a major incident after fires surged across the county due to the wave.
The county’s fire and rescue service made the announcement after attending 63 incidents so far today, 38 of which were open fires, including large fires in a field in Campsea Ashe and a park in Ipswich.
This is in addition to providing help to colleagues in Cambridgeshire, Essex and Norfolk and has put the service under pressure.
The search is expected to continue for some time as extreme temperatures and dry weather remain in place into the evening, providing ideal conditions for wildfires to spread.
Suffolk recorded its hottest day on record today, with the thermometer reaching 38.4C in Santon Downham.
John Lacy said the service had seen an unprecedented number of fires. – Photo: Suffolk County Council
John Lacey, chief fire officer for Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We have seen an unprecedented number of fires as a result of the hot weather in Suffolk, which has seen grasslands burn rapidly.
“Our forward planning has enabled us to respond efficiently and effectively to these incidents and I would like to thank all colleagues at Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service for working tirelessly to ensure we can continue to protect communities across our county as and the employers of our on-call firefighters who greatly aided our efforts by freeing up their staff to assist us.
“Unfortunately, as with many other fire services across the country, we have been left with no option but to declare a major incident in recognition of the enormous pressure our service is under. This does not mean we are not still here to look after Suffolk but I would ask people to be careful and avoid any activity that could potentially cause a fire to help reduce further demand on our firefighters.
A fire broke out in a field in Ravenswood on Monday, which police are treating as suspected arson.
Suffolk residents are being urged to play their part by reducing the risk of fire. Barbecues in public open spaces should be avoided and those outside should properly dispose of litter, glass bottles and cigarettes.
Farmers are also asked to store hay and straw away from other buildings, especially those that house livestock or contain fuels and chemicals.
Cllr Andrew Reid, member for public health and public protection, said residents could do whatever they could to help. – Credit: Archant
Cllr Andrew Reid, cabinet member for public health and protection, said: “Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service has declared a major incident for the first time in years, demonstrating the seriousness of the surge in incidents due to the heatwave.
“This is no reflection on our firefighting team who continue to fight fires even in the most extreme temperatures, but it is in line with the national picture, with other services, including London, all in a similar situation.”
“Now is the time for residents of our county to do whatever they can to help — whether it’s waiting until another night to have their barbecue or picking up the trash they see dumped in our parks and forests that could cause fire. I would also ask that people avoid open water swimming tonight to reduce the likelihood of our crews having to attend to water lifeguards.
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