Climate Change: Wildfire Strategy and Action Plan Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateEarl of Caithness
Main Page: Earl of Caithness (Conservative - Excepted Hereditary)Department Debates - View all Earl of Caithness's debates with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
(1 day, 23 hours ago)
Lords ChamberMy Lords, the noble Earl is right to raise this important issue. The numbers he highlighted are worrying. We are working closely with the NFCC. We continue to fund the national resilience wildfire adviser, who is tasked with reviewing capability and approaches across the fire sector. We are also providing proactive public safety communications on barbeques, cigarettes and open fires, in collaboration with the National Fire Chiefs Council.
My Lords, would the Minister agree that there are three key ingredients to a wildfire: ignition, oxygen and fuel load? As most of the owners of our treasured landscape do not look after the fuel load, they are complicit in the wildfire problem. Would the Minister check that Natural England has the right scientists on board to advise these NGOs and other owners, and that it is taking account of the latest science on wildfire?
My Lords, the noble Earl made an interesting point and spoke about the ingredients that contribute to wildfires. On his request to check with Natural England, I will go back and check with colleagues on this particular area. We work with stakeholders across the country, in particular local fire and rescue services and fire authorities in relevant areas. I will come back to the noble Earl with some assurances of the work Natural England is doing.