Managing wildfires
The risk of wildfires in Scotland’s rainforest
Scotland has seen a steady rise in the number of serious wildfire events in recent years. Despite the name, these are rarely natural, and are usually caused by the actions of people.
Wildfires have become a significant threat to Scotland’s rainforest with the increasing frequency of long periods of hot and dry weather due to climate change. There are things we can do to both reduce the likelihood of wildfire occurring and to reduce the impact of a wildfire event upon people and assets – including precious rainforest habitats. These measures could include:
Carrying out a wildfire risk assessment for the project area and/or encouraging landowners to carry out wildfire risk assessments for their own properties.
Ensuring that insurance cover is in place to cover the costs of aerial/helicopter extinguishing costs for woodland areas.
Implementing the recommendations of the wildfire risk assessment – which might include taking measures to reduce fuel loads, create firebreaks and creating wildfire management zones within the project area/landscape.
Making sure there is a wildfire response plan.
Useful information/advice on how to carry out these tasks
Tackling wildfire. Credit RSPB Scotland
Read our blog on wildfires in Scotland’s rainforest.
Banner image: Wildfire. Credit RSPB Scotland.