Firefighters' plea amid busy wildfire season

Firefighters in Cumbria are making a heartfelt plea for help as they prepare for a busy wildfire season. The region is currently under an extreme wildfire warning, and the local fire service, which mainly consists of on-call firefighters, is gearing up to tackle the increasing number of wildfires. Phil Gardner, the on-call watch manager at Sedbergh fire station, has observed that wildfires have become more frequent over the past decade. He describes the area as being like a 'tinderbox,' where the dry vegetation can easily catch fire. Wildfires not only threaten the livelihoods of local residents but also endanger wildlife and put the lives of firefighters at risk. Neil Aitken, another on-call watch manager at Appleby fire station, emphasizes the importance of being responsible when enjoying the countryside. He urges visitors to be cautious, stating, 'Come to enjoy the countryside, but be safe, be responsible. ' On-call firefighters have regular jobs but must drop everything to respond to emergencies. Mr. Gardner recalls a time when he was watching a nativity play at the village hall when his pager went off, signaling an emergency. He remembers the chaos as he and four other firefighters rushed out, while the children continued their performance, unaware of the situation. Mr. Aitken shares a humorous yet poignant memory of being called to a fire on Christmas Day just as he was about to enjoy a roast potato. He laughs as he recalls returning home four hours later to find his Christmas lunch had been left under the grill for too long. These anecdotes highlight the unpredictable nature of firefighting, as wildfires can occur at any time, day or night, without any warning. Fighting wildfires is a challenging and exhausting job. Mr. Gardner explains that getting all the necessary equipment up the Cumbrian fells can be incredibly difficult, often requiring firefighters to carry heavy gear on foot. He notes, 'You can't work for long in the fire kit because it does get very hot. ' The firefighters often work long shifts, sometimes lasting ten to twelve hours during wildfire incidents. Mr. Aitken, who joined the service at 19, acknowledges that he is nearing the end of his career but still feels a strong desire to help. He reflects on the importance of their work, stating, 'Where you're going out, it's probably the worst day of somebody's life, and you can go and you can make a difference. ' The firefighters are urging the public to take responsibility for their actions in the countryside. They share alarming stories of how wildfires can start from seemingly harmless items, such as broken glass that can magnify sunlight and ignite a fire, or a disposable BBQ that was carelessly left behind. Mr. Gardner recalls a fire caused by a BBQ, which resulted in several square kilometers of burnt grassland. Mr. Aitken expresses his frustration, saying, 'Just one person's carelessness puts other people's lives—firefighters' lives—at risk. ' They hope that by raising awareness, they can encourage everyone to be more mindful and help protect both the environment and the brave firefighters who risk their lives to keep the community safe.