Issue - meetings

There are over 2,500 hectares of open space across BCP that include a very diverse range of habitats including amenity parks, heathland, woods, meadows, river corridors, ponds and lakes, and extensive coastal areas comprising cliff, dunes and undercliff habitats.

Some of these habitats can be susceptible to arson and wildfire and given that these spaces are managed across different teams, from Countryside and Parks in Environment to Seafront and Tourism in Destination and Culture, a joined up and holistic approach is required to address community concerns from wildfires and how we manage these spaces.

This report was requested to consider the current policy on wildfires following a large heathland fire on Canford Heath nature reserve earlier this year, and other wildfire events across BCP. It has been noted how effective the Urban Heaths Partnership was in managing the fire at the time and in related activity in the weeks after, reassuring residents and working collaboratively across many organisations on wildlife rescues, information and education events and campaigns to ban disposable BBQ’s.

There is significant existing resource dedicated to making our green spaces and nearby land that are susceptible to wildfires, as safe as possible. This report summarises some of this resource and work to enable a discussion at scrutiny.

The Portfolio Holder for Environment and Place and the Strategic Lead for Greenspace and Conservation presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'B’ to these minutes in the Minute Book. The Committee was asked to endorse the current management approach to wildfires and the work of the Emergency Planning Team and strong partnership work in place with the Urban Heath Partnership and Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service. The Committee considered a comprehensive presentation which was circulated to Committee members and appears as Appendix ‘C’ to these minutes in the Minute Book. The Strategic Lead was supported in the presentation by representatives from Emergency Planning, the Urban Heath Partnership and the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service. Following the presentation, a number of points were raised and responded to including:

·     Properties surrounding heathland areas and use of firebreaks. It was noted that there was an effort to minimise extensive areas of heather or gorse near to property boundaries. A proportional response in terms of what action would be necessary was needed but it was noted that it was a concern for residents, and it was a case of minimising the risks.

·     The social media campaign following the recent fire on Canford Heath. It was noted that this was a very positive piece of work and it was hoped it would continue.

·     The sighting of fire boxes and the risk/benefit analysis for those who may be using them.

·     The Litter Free Dorset campaign to stop selling disposal BBQs.

·     It was noted that there was a PSPO in Dorset covering people lighting fires in various areas and that evidence was needed for these to be implemented. Officers advised that this was being worked on for both beach and heathland areas. It was noted that a report to Cabinet was expected to come forward on this issue.

·     Concern from residents not backing on to heathland but with significant amounts of vegetation which may have been considered a fire risk during the dry summer. It was suggested that there would be a multi-agency workshop to consider areas of risk. Officers advised that the multi-agency response was important, as each area had a wealth of knowledge but was not aware of a workshop and would pick this up outside of the meeting.

·     The causes of heathland fires, including whether there was human intervention in starting them and whether this was deliberate or otherwise. It was noted that prevention was better than cure. Members asked if anything could be done to lobby MPs. It was noted that evidence was needed for this. Officers undertook to provide information to the Committee members on this.

·     Concern was raised regarding the increase in heathland fires.

·     The Committee was pleased to see the partnership working in this area to try to address these issues and expressed its support for the education initiatives to help address this problem.

·     Methods for controlling fires and managing vegetation  ...  view the full minutes text for item 37