The beginning of the Cumbria Wildfire Group
The Cumbria Wildfire Group came about through the desire of the Cumbria County Council and Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service to combat the increasing possibility for major wildfires to occur in Cumbria. In order to achieve their goal, the two organisations invited RDI to put together a project plan and funding proposal for a Cumbria Wildfire Group. With the completion of this work, the Cumbria Wildfire Group commenced work on the initial two year project in May 2008.
What is a fire group?
The Cumbria Wildfire Group is a coming together of both the public and private sectors to tackle the increasing threat of large wildfires in the rural environment of Cumbria. Members of the fire group include landowners, land agents, public sector bodies, farmers and anyone with an interest in wildfire. The wildfire group seeks to improve Cumbria's wildfire resilience by delivering activities that address both wildfire prevention and response. At a practical level, a fire group establishes firm lines of communication, increases the public's wildfire awareness, provides relevant wildfire training and provides a structure for wildfire response that together facilitates an effective response to wildfire.
Aims
- To contribute to the sustainable development of rural Cumbria through the protection of its environment, economy, heritage and rural communities by minimising the growing risk of the devastating impacts of wildfire due to the influence of global climate change.
- To benefit the rural environment and economy of Cumbria through the facilitation of effective networking and the formation of collaborative partnerships by encouraging an integrated approach amongst responsible organisations and the rural community to the threat of wildfire.
Objectives
- Develop a fire group – a rural partnership across Cumbria
- Through improved training and co-ordination improve the response of organisations, landowners and individuals to wildfire events
- The production of wildfire awareness promotional material for locals and visitors emphasising the impacts of wildfire on the natural environment and landscape as well as the risks posed to public safety.
- Research and produce Standard Operating Procedures that lead to more effective wildfire management which provides a safer work environment for all personnel involved.
- Facilitate the dissemination of information, advice and guidance on moorland/forest fire risk and management.
- Through improved response to wildfire facilitate improvement in habitat and resource protection.
- To minimise water pollution caused by the deteriorating effects of wildfire in Cumbria’s water bodies and catchment areas.
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