Firefighters warn of potential for wildfire

Firefighters have warned about the increased potential for wildfire in the hot and dry weather.

Jersey Fire and Rescue Service has warned any wildfire could become extreme in the recent conditions after Jersey Met issued its highest fire severity rating.

Chief fire officer Paul Brown said the severity index, which measures how serious a wildfire could become if one started, had reached unprecedented levels earlier this summer and had spent several days at level 10.

He said the fire crew had trained in readiness for a potential wildfire season.

Tackling wildfires required different techniques from fighting fires in homes, high-rise buildings or hazardous industrial sites, he said.

Brown said his biggest concern was people carrying out bonfires or burning vegetation when conditions were dry and windy.

He said: "I wouldn't like to see bonfires and burning off at the moment. I think it's just the wrong time."

He also urged islanders to take care with barbecues and any activity that could accidentally ignite dry vegetation.

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