Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) has reported responding to more than 250 outdoor fires this year. The service noted that several of these incidents met the National Fire Chiefs Council's (NFCC) wildfire criteria, which can involve a committed resource of at least four fire and rescue service appliances.
RBFRS station manager Alex Holbrook stated that this summer has seen more large-scale outdoor fires, defined as incidents involving over four fire engines, than in the previous five years. These fires, occurring in fields, forests, or scrublands, have sometimes required crews for days at a time.
Gail Muirhead, RBFRS prevention manager, has asked residents to avoid bonfires due to the current hot and dry conditions. The service advises taking extra care to protect the countryside, as a small spark can initiate a large outdoor fire in such conditions. RBFRS also highlighted that the risk of fire in Berkshire remains "very high" according to the Fire Safety Index.