Two fires in Sefton this week have given a clear reminder of how everyone can play a role in keeping the Borough flame-free.
On Monday, a fire tore through a patch of grass at North Park in Bootle. It was barely a day later when Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service rushed to the Hightown dunes to put out a fire that blazed for over two hours.
Fortunately, both fires were put out before they could get out of control, as has been seen elsewhere in the country.
Separate incidents on either side of the region – one in North Wales, the other in Greater Manchester – caused major wildfires recently. People across Merseyside reported seeing or smelling the resulting smoke.
These were far from the only wildfires across the UK in the past week. With hot weather continuing, there remains a high risk of more occurring.
Don’t roast our coast
That is especially true on Sefton’s coastline. It is a fragile habitat and a wildfire, which can carry on for days if they get out of control, can be fatal for the plants and animals living there.
Sadly, Green Sefton rangers have recorded numerous fire-related deaths among those who call the coast home, which include natterjack toads, sand lizards, skylarks and a range of rare plant species.
Green Sefton’s advice to those coming to the coast is:
Please don’t bring barbecues to public beaches or green spaces. Any barbecue, especially disposable ones, carry a risk of starting a fire that can easily get out of control.
Avoid starting any fire at all. The current dry climate could very easily cause a fire to spread quickly.
Don’t leave anything behind. Something as seemingly insignificant as a piece of a broken glass can set off a fire with the sun’s rays concentrating through it.
Barbecues, open fires and littering are all forbidden under the coastal Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO).
It’s not just grass that can be affected. Fires on the beach can superheat a patch of sand. This can then burn the feet of someone walking across it.