People have been urged to trim back trees and clear up their gardens to stop a sweltering summer bringing a repeat of the wildfires which wreaked devastation across Norfolk last year.
With temperatures rising and wildfires already breaking out in the county due to out-of-control bonfires, firefighters issued a plea for help to cut the risk to lives and homes.
They are urging people to protect homes from wildfires by trimming back shrubs and trees near their homes and getting rid of piles of cuttings, leaves, logs and dry grass, as part of efforts to stem the spread of wildfires.
Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service experienced its busiest period ever last summer, with more than 3,000 incidents, almost 9,000 calls from the public and more than 670 wildfires.
Twenty-two Norfolk homes were destroyed in wildfires, including in the village of Ashill.
The fire service had to declare a major incident because it was so stretched. Help needed to be sought from fire crews from as far afield as Avon.
Terry Pinto, group manager and prevention lead at the fire service, said: "Last year, our communities suffered significant fire damage during the devastating wildfires during July when temperatures hit 40C.
"July 2022 was one of the worst summers we had on record. Our resources were stretched to the limit.
"In Ashill, there were rows of homes destroyed and it had a real lasting impact on the communities affected.
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"This year we are determined to do everything we can to prevent this happening again.
"Preventing wildfires is the responsibility of everyone in Norfolk and, by following a few simple steps we can all help keep Norfolk safe this summer."
More than half a million pounds has been spent on new equipment and better training for Norfolk's firefighters.
Trials of new, lightweight wildfire suits, are being done at nine fire stations. The idea is that they will be cooler than regular uniforms when firefighters battle wildfires at the height of summer.
And each fire engine has been kitted out with misting sticks, which are more effective at battling wildfire blazes and can be used to 'inject' water directly into the ground.
The fire service has also been talking to farmers and landowners and has mapped out where water supplies are available.
One of the issues last summer was that a lack of the right sort of adaptors meant water supplies on farms meant they could not be connected to fire engines.
The fire service has bought new adaptors and has encouraged farmers to have connections they can fit into.
Mr Pinto said the service was keeping a close eye on weather forecasts. And, while it looks like this summer will not be as scorching hot as last summer, he said there had already been worrying incidents.
He said: "We have seen a spike in wildfires in the last few weeks. None of them have been across hundreds of acres like those last summer because we got them under control quickly.
"But a number were caused by bonfires which had got out of control or because of disposable barbecues."
Last summer, three old fire engines from the Norfolk Fire Museum had to be pressed into action to help the service and firefighters said, if need be, they would do so again.
ADVICE TO STOP FIRES THIS SUMMER
1. Dispose of cigarette butts responsibly and do not throw them on the ground
2. Do not have barbecues in parks and public spaces, other than in designated areas. Avoid using portable barbecues.
3. Do not have campfires or bonfires except in carefully managed and designated areas.
4. Do not litter with glass bottles. They can magnify the sun's rays and cause fires.
5. Report any signs of smoke or wildlife to 999.
ADVICE TO PROTECT YOUR HOME
1. Trim back shrubs or trees close by or touching your home and dispose of cuttings responsibly.
2. Clear away leaves, compost heaps, log piles and dry grass.
3. Check for spaces between roof tiles where embers could get lodged, such as gutters.
4. Store flammable substances, such as pesticides and fertilisers safely.
5. Ensure you have home insurance and smoke detectors.
ANALYSIS
Last summer's wildfires had a devastating impact on communities across Norfolk.
As the county sweltered in scorching temperatures, the tinder box conditions created the perfect conditions for fires to spread - and spread incredibly rapidly.
And the consequences were awful.
More than 20 homes in Norfolk were destroyed in these blazes and farmers saw their livelihoods hit as flames ripped through fields.
Firefighters for Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service toiled in horrendously hot conditions to tackle these fires, risking their own health to protect property and lives.
Nearly 12 months on from those dreadful scenes and firefighters are bracing themselves for another busy summer, while hoping a repeat of last year can be avoided.
The fire service says it has learned lessons from last year. Half a million pounds has been invested in improved training and better kit.
New uniforms and water-misting sticks ought to improve conditions for the brave men and women who fight these fires.
Water supplies have been mapped, with the service working closely with farmers to make sure that the right connections are in place to allow the precious liquid to be used by fire crews.
Firefighters are optimistic temperatures will not reach the heights of last year, but are painfully aware that a run of hot, dry weather could create the conditions which fire thrives upon.
And that is why it is important that we all do our bit to protect ourselves and others. It makes good sense to clear gardens of piles of leaves, wood or grass. Those are ready-made fuel for fires.
Some of the properties which were destroyed last year were not covered by home insurance. It's sensible to check your documents to make sure yours is.
We also need to be responsible in other ways. It's common sense not to have bonfires or portable barbecues when conditions are particularly dry and hot, yet people still do - sometimes with disastrous results.
The warnings which have been issued by Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service should be heeded, to protect each and every one of us.
Nobody wants to see people in our communities lose their homes and livelihood.
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