Stay vigilant to avoid wildfires
27 Aug 2025
With out-of-control blazes devastating landscapes across Europe – and closer to home in Yorkshire, Northumberland County Council is urging residents and visitors to take extra care to prevent similar wildfires.
As part of the council’s “Love it Like it’s Yours” summer safety campaign the Council and Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service want to highlight the risks wildfires pose – and remind people how to avoid them.
Councillor Gordon Stewart, Cabinet Member for public safety, said: “While we want everyone to enjoy the great outdoors during the summer, what we certainly don’t want is to make news headlines because of wildfires ripping through our beautiful countryside
“This will not happen if people stay vigilant, but a moment’s thoughtlessness could have devastating consequences for the environment, our wildlife, and people’s homes and livelihoods.
“By taking a few simple precautions, residents and visitors can help protect Northumberland’s unique landscapes and ensure they can be enjoyed safely for generations to come.”
Robert Stacey, Wildfire Team Leader at Northumberland Fire and Rescue Serivice urged people to act responsibly: “Visitors should avoid lighting campfires or barbecues and instead pack a picnic.
“Clearing away all rubbish is vital, as even a small shard of glass or a carelessly discarded cigarette, can spark a fire that escalates rapidly.
“Anyone who sees a fire should call 999 immediately rather than trying to put it out themselves. If they can establish a precise location, perhaps using their phone, that could also save vital minutes.
“As well as destroying the countryside, wildlife habitats and residents’ property, wildfires can have fatal consequences if people become trapped by approaching flames including a real risk to firefighters.”
In the recent past Northumberland has suffered from the devastating impact of wildfires which destroyed huge areas of trees and moorland that will take many years to regrow.
*For more information about staying safe this summer visit www.visitnorthumberland.com/travel-tips/love-it-like-its-yours