Countryside visitors urged to help prevent devastating wildfires in heatwave
The RSPCA is urging people enjoying the countryside during the summer holidays to take extra care to prevent wildfires, which can have a devastating impact on wildlife
With schools closed and more people heading outdoors during the rising temperatures, the animal welfare charity is reminding countryside day-trippers and holiday-makers that simple actions can help prevent fires from starting in the first place.
Prolonged periods of hot and dry weather has left grassland, heathland and other habitats in England and Wales particularly vulnerable to fire especially as we face another heatwave. As well as destroying landscapes these wildfires cause widespread suffering to wild animals, with small mammals, reptiles and amphibians particularly vulnerable as they may struggle to escape the flames in time.
Dr Rebecca Machin, Scientific and Policy Officer for the RSPCA, said: “The summer holidays are a wonderful opportunity for people to get out and enjoy the countryside, but with more people spending time outdoors, it’s really important that we all take responsibility for keeping our surroundings and local wildlife safe.
“Wildfires are devastating for wildlife. For some animals, there may be nowhere to run. Those that live in dens, burrows and warrens can become trapped by the flames and smoke, while animals such as hedgehogs, harvest mice, and slow worms may not be able to escape quickly enough.
“This is also a particularly vulnerable time of year for those with young. Nestlings, fledglings and ground-nesting birds, and juvenile bats are at significant risk as they will not be able to fly away and may become trapped in burning trees or other vegetation. Juvenile deer also stay hidden in grass until they can keep up with their mother, so they will also be in danger from these kinds of fire.”
“When enjoying the countryside this summer, we’re asking people to think carefully about their actions and take extra care with anything that could cause a fire. A few simple precautions can make a huge difference to wildlife.”
The RSPCA is asking people enjoying the countryside to:
- Avoid lighting fires - or anything that could create sparks
- Consider picnics instead of barbecues, particularly during such dry and hot conditions - if you do choose to have a barbecue, ensure the area you are in permits this and is in an area where this can be done safely
- Take litter with you - don’t leave items such as glass or other materials that can cause a fire
- Fully extinguish cigarettes and dispose of them responsibly and away from dry areas
- If you see a fire, move away from the area and report it immediately to the emergency services - never put yourself at risk by attempting to tackle one
Rebecca added: “Fires can also destroy the habitats animals rely on for food and shelter, forcing surviving wildlife into unfamiliar areas where they may face further risks, including conflict with other animals and territorial disputes.
“These habitats are incredibly important for wildlife, including endangered species such as sand lizards and smooth snakes, and summer insects such as ladybirds, butterflies and beetles, which in turn provide an important food source for some smaller birds when they cannot find worms in the hard, dry ground.
“We want people to enjoy spending time outdoors, but we’re asking everyone to do so responsibly. Taking a few simple precautions can help reduce the risk of fires and protect the wild animals who call these places home.”
The RSPCA is also reminding people, as part of the charity’s Cruelty Hurts, Love Rescues campaign, that wild birds can face increased risks of cruelty during the summer months, with the charity’s data showing reports of cruelty to wild birds rise at this time of year.
Every summer, animal cruelty peaks. Right now, it’s at its highest level in five years.
But cruelty isn’t the strongest force at work this summer. Love is.
Together, we can turn this season of cruelty into one of love, kindness and rescue.
