Extremely dry conditions are putting the countryside at risk of devastating fires, warns NFU Mutual.
In a near-long heatwave, the UK is close to matching a sizzling June run not seen in two decades.
But the rural community is concerned that the current heatwave could lead to grassland and arable crop fires, putting lives at risk and costing millions of pounds in damaged crops and machinery.
The rural insurer NFU Mutual said 'huge swathes' of land across the UK is at risk of fire.
Tim Price, NFU Mutual Rural Affairs Specialist said: “Following a very dry spring, the current heatwave means that huge swathes of land across the whole of the UK is at risk of fire – putting lives of people and animals at risk as well as destroying valuable crops.
“With harvest due to start in a few weeks and the long summer school holidays on the horizon, we are making a plea to countryside dwellers and visitors to take extreme care to avoid starting a fire.”
'Concentrate the sun's rays'
Matches and cigarette ends thrown down from cars are one of the major risks, NFU Mutual warned.
“But in the current conditions even a discarded bottle can concentrate the sun’s rays and start a fire,” Mr Price said.
NFU Mutual is urging farmers to make sure that fire extinguishers on combine harvesters are serviced before harvest start, and to make sure regular maintenance and cleaning to remove chaff is carried out.
Chief Meteorologist Dan Suri at the Met Office spoke about the recent weather.
He said: “High pressure is dominating our weather bringing warm, humid air from the tropical Atlantic resulting in these high temperatures and sunny conditions over the coming days.”
The hot weather has triggered an amber Public Health England (PHE) Heat Health Watch for much of England.
Dr Angie Bone, Head of PHE’s Extreme Events team, said: “Spells of hot weather like this are enjoyed by many of us, but they can make a very real impact on some people’s health.
“That’s why it’s so important we all keep an eye on those likely to be most at risk, people with underlying heart and lung conditions, older people and those with younger children. If you’re able, ask your friends, family and neighbours if they need any support.”
