Updated: 19:07, 19 July 2022 Suffolk became the latest county to declare a major incident after fires exploded across the county due to the surge. The county’s fire and rescue service made the announcement after attending 63 incidents so far today, with 38 of them being wildfires, including large fires in a field in Campsea Ashe and a park in Ipswich. This is in addition to helping colleagues in Cambridgeshire, Essex and Norfolk, and has put the service under pressure. Demand is expected to continue for some time as extreme temperatures and dry weather persist into the evening, providing ideal conditions for wildfires to spread. Suffolk recorded its hottest day on record today with the thermometer reaching 38.4C in Santon Downham. Jon Lacey said the agency has seen an unprecedented number of fires. – Credit: Suffolk County Council Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service chief Jon Lacey said: “We have seen an unprecedented number of fires as a result of the hot weather in Suffolk, which has caused grasslands to burn quickly. “Our forward planning has enabled us to respond efficiently and effectively to these incidents and I would like to thank all colleagues at Suffolk Fire and Rescue who have worked tirelessly to ensure we can continue to protect the communities of our county, as well as his employers our firefighters who greatly aided our efforts by releasing their personnel to assist us. “Unfortunately, as with many other fire services across the country, we have no choice but to declare a major incident in recognition of the enormous pressure our service is under. That doesn’t mean we’re not still here to look after Suffolk, but I would ask people to be careful and avoid any activity that could cause a fire to help reduce further demand on our firefighters.” A fire broke out in a field in Ravenswood on Monday, which police are treating as suspicious arson. Suffolk residents are being urged to play their part in reducing the risk of fire. Barbecues in public open spaces should be avoided and those out and about should properly dispose of their rubbish, glass bottles and cigarettes. Farmers are also asked to store hay and straw away from other buildings, especially those that house livestock or that contain fuel and chemicals. Mr Andrew Reid, member for public health and protection, said residents could do what they could to help. – Credit: Archad Mr Andrew Reid, cabinet member for public health and protection, said: “Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service has declared a major incident for the first time in years, demonstrating the seriousness of the increase in incidents due to the heatwave. “This is not a concern for our fire service personnel who continue to tackle fires even in the most extreme temperatures, but is consistent with the national picture as other services, including London, are all in a similar situation. “Now is the time for our county residents to do what they can to help – whether it’s waiting another night to have their barbecue or picking up any litter they see thrown in our parks and forests that could cause fire. I would also like to ask people to avoid swimming in the open tonight to reduce the chance of our crews having to attend water rescues.”
