Government Alert for Very High Wildfire Risk Across Lake District Forests
Visitors to the Lake District are being urged to avoid barbecues, campfires and other naked flames as the wildfire risk reaches a very high level across much of Cumbria.
Forestry England said the majority of its forests and woodlands in the county had reached the “very high” category on Natural England’s Fire Severity Index following a prolonged period of hot and dry weather.
Teams responsible for sites including Whinlatter and Grizedale are now on heightened alert as the busy school summer holiday period approaches.
Visitors Asked Not to Light Barbecues or Campfires
Forestry England has asked people visiting forests and countryside areas to bring a picnic rather than using a barbecue or lighting a campfire.
Nathan Fox, Forestry England’s forest ranger for North and West Cumbria, said naked flames presented an unacceptable risk while the warning remained in place.
He also urged visitors not to set off fireworks, discard cigarettes or leave glass bottles behind, as each could potentially start a fire in dry vegetation.
While some wildfires can begin naturally, Forestry England said they are more commonly caused by human activity.
Drivers Warned About Parking on Dry Grass
People travelling into the Lake District have also been reminded to use designated car parks and keep roads, tracks and gates clear.
Vehicles should not be parked on roadside vegetation or dry grass because heat from an exhaust system can start a fire.
Poorly parked vehicles may also prevent fire engines and other emergency vehicles from reaching an incident quickly.
Forestry England said fast access is essential because wildfires can spread rapidly, particularly when strong or changing winds are present.
Risk Can Differ Across Cumbria
Wildfire warning levels are determined using factors including temperature, rainfall, wind speed, weather patterns and the time of year.
The index ranges from low and moderate through to high, very high and extreme.
Conditions can vary across the county, meaning one area may face a much greater risk than another. However, Forestry England said Cumbria was broadly experiencing a very high risk at the time the warning was issued.
Further dry weather and a rise in visitor numbers during the school holidays could increase the danger.
Whinlatter Fire Burned for Three Days
Forestry England highlighted the risk by recalling a major wildfire at Whinlatter Forest in 2021.
The blaze burned for three days before it was fully extinguished.
Mr Fox said the combination of visitors, mature trees, steep ground and wind could allow a fire to spread very quickly.
He added that the wind direction at Whinlatter could be particularly important, as a fire beginning on an exposed slope could move rapidly through the forest.
Peat Fires Can Continue Underground
Campfires are considered especially dangerous in parts of the Lake District because many beauty spots contain peat soil.
Once peat catches fire, flames and heat can continue beneath the surface. This can make a blaze difficult to locate and extinguish and may allow it to reappear elsewhere.
A small campfire that appears controlled could therefore develop into a much more serious wildfire.
Forestry England warned that fires would threaten commercial timber, wildlife habitats and the large numbers of people using popular woodland sites.
Smoke Could Cause Wider Problems
Although some vegetation remained green and contained moisture, officials warned that this would not remove the danger.
A fire involving damp or lush vegetation could create a large amount of smoke, which may spread for miles.
This could cause particular problems for people with asthma, lung conditions or other breathing difficulties, even if they are not close to the fire itself.
How to Reduce the Risk of a Wildfire
Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service has asked people to take several precautions while visiting the countryside:
- Do not use barbecues, campfires or other naked flames.
- Follow local rules at forests, parks, campsites and open spaces.
- Extinguish cigarettes fully and never throw them from vehicles.
- Take bottles, glass and other litter home.
- Use designated parking areas and keep access routes clear.
- Avoid parking vehicles on dry grass or vegetation.
- Report any signs of fire immediately.
Anyone who sees a wildfire should move to a safe location and call 999.
People should not attempt to fight the fire themselves, as flames can change direction and spread with little warning. Giving emergency services an accurate location, including through an app such as What3Words, may help crews reach the area faster.
Cumbria Teams Preparing for Possible Incidents
Forestry England works alongside Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service and other organisations through the Cumbria Wildfire Group.
The group produces plans showing access routes, water sources and key information about forests and rural areas. These plans are intended to help crews respond quickly if a fire breaks out.
Officials said the current warning was about prevention as much as emergency response.
Visitors can continue to enjoy the Lake District, but they are being asked to take extra care and avoid anything that could create a spark or flame while the very high risk remains in place.
