Suffolk, famous for its beautiful history and wide open countryside has, like many other rural communities faces the potential issues of field, stubble and thatch fire incidents on an annual basis. In 2022, the UK and Europe face prolonged periods of elevated seasonal temperature combined with unprecedented low rainfall. Whilst this was for many a much-needed positive following the impact on health, welfare and economy due to the COVID pandemic, it saw a significant rise in the Fire Severity Index (FSI). FSI is the likelihood and impact rating commonly used to assess the ground conditions when considering wildfire nationally.

Unfortunately this meant that Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service (SFRS), like many others, witnessed a significant spike in this type of incident during the summer period. We have to date attended upwards of 200 field/stubble fire incidents (Classified as wildfire incidents under the national incident type), a situation that received local and national media coverage.

SFRS also has a cadre of Wildfire Tactical Advisors that have specialist knowledge and training that support local and national incident management. These officers utilise techniques and knowledge that help mitigate the impact and spread of rural field and grassland fires when they do occur.

At SFRS we pride ourselves on how we engage and inform our communities through partnership working with our Response crews, Prevention and Protection teams and our fantastic network of community volunteers that support our day-to-day activity across the community.

That said there is always opportunities to broaden our reach when we look to improve safety and awareness such as local and national organisations.

SFRS support the Rural, Wildfire and Heritage Policing team to identify incident trends and support partnership working. We are also looking to work with the National Farmers Union to provide information, guidance which will promote the sharing of best practice to help prevent incident occurring in the first instance. By expanding our partnership working and network, we are ensuring residents have access to fire safety advice and equipment where required that sees safe practices being applied in the home as well as the land that we work.

Find out more at:

- https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/
- https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/suffolk-fire-and-rescue-service
- Fire safety for farmers and rural businesses - Suffolk County Council
- Fire and rescue safety advice in the community - Suffolk County Council
- Fire safety information leaflets - Suffolk County Council
- Fire protection - Suffolk County Council