Background information
A major fire may start due to an accident, such as an electrical fault, criminal human activity (arson), infrastructure incidents and natural hazards. A fire can start for a variety of reasons. Whilst Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service respond to fires daily. An area of concern within Hampshire and Isle of Wight includes the risk of wildfires. With our climate continuing to change the likelihood of wildfires occurring along with the increase scale, intensity and frequency is expected to increase.
With any major fire there are likely to be significant impacts on people, ecosystems, and the climate. They affect the air quality, impact the environment, and create hazards for people and infrastructure.
Local Risk Rating
Very High
What does the Local Resilience Forum do to prepare?
The risk of major fire is heightened during periods of hot weather and though we are not able to prevent periods of hot weather, through better forecasting and advanced warning we can better plan for when periods of hot weather occur and put measures in place to prevent fires.
Within Hampshire and Isle of Wight Local Resilience Forum we have well tested arrangements that are used to assess the situation and prepare for a major fire and the impacts it may have on a community. Our Fire and Rescue Service also has mutual assistance arrangements in place with neighbouring services to provide additional support in the event of major fire occurring.
Associated Risks
The following risks could be linked to a major fire:
- High Temperatures and heat waves
- Accidental fire or explosion at an onshore fuel pipeline
- Accidental fire or explosion at an onshore Major Accident Hazard Pipeline
- Fire or pollution at a waste site
- Wildfire
- Drought
- Accidental fire or explosion at an on shore major Control of Major Accident Hazard (COMAH) site
- Poor Air Quality
How can you prepare?
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIOW FRS) provide a variety of information available to the public on how to prevent fires that is accessible via the following link below
Reduce fire hazards in your home
Fit smoke alarms (at least once on each floor) and test regularly
Plan an escape route should a fire break out at night – most deaths occur while people are sleeping
Do not overload electricity sockets
Do not leave appliances on when you are not at home
Consider storing important information in fireproof safes
Countryside safety
Avoid open fires in the countryside. Always have them in safe designated areas
Put out cigarettes and other smoking materials properly
Don’t leave bottles or glass in woodlands. Sunlight shining through glass can start a fire
Never throw cigarette ends out of car windows.
If a fire occurs
Call 999 immediately
Do not attempt to tackle the fire
