Wildfires are an increasing threat in the UK, especially on moorlands. These fires release harmful pollutants that pose serious health risks. This blog post explores the negative impacts of wildfire smoke on human health and what can be done to mitigate these risks.
What's at Stake?
Wildfires cause more than just surface damage. They release harmful pollutants into the air. These pollutants can travel long distances, affecting air quality far beyond the fire site.
Harmful Pollutants: Wildfires release pollutants like lead and cadmium.
Long-Term Health Issues: Exposure can cause breathing difficulties and long-term health issues.
Carbon Release: Fires can release significant amounts of carbon from burning peat, exacerbating climate change.
The Direct Health Impacts of Wildfire Smoke
Wildfire smoke contains a complex mixture of gases and fine particles. These particles can be inhaled deeply into the lungs, causing a range of health problems.
Respiratory Issues: Smoke can irritate the airways, leading to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Cardiovascular Problems: Fine particles can enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Vulnerable Populations: Children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory or heart conditions are particularly vulnerable.
The Saddleworth Moor Fire: A Cautionary Tale
The 2018 Saddleworth Moor fire exposed five million people to dangerous pollution. This pollution included lead and cadmium deposited on the moors during the Industrial Revolution. Scientists estimate that dozens of premature deaths occurred due to the fumes.
Industrial Revolution Legacy: The fire released toxins that had been buried for over a century.
Premature Deaths: Air pollution from the fire contributed to approximately 28 premature deaths.
Widespread Exposure: A large population was exposed to harmful pollutants.
Natural England's Role
Natural England has been criticized for policies that restrict the removal of excess vegetation on moorlands. Restrictions on controlled burning have led to a substantial increase in flammable vegetation. This increase effectively adds fuel to the fire risk. Critics argue that Natural England's focus on micromanagement and opposition to grouse shooting have hindered effective wildfire prevention.
Vegetation Buildup: Restrictions on controlled burning have led to increased fuel loads.
Micromanagement: Focus on minor details distracts from major policy concerns.
Ideological Opposition: Opposition to grouse shooting influences wildfire prevention efforts.
Climate Change and Wildfires
Climate change has lengthened the fire season in many countries. Increased vegetation production, warming temperatures, and higher precipitation have led to higher fuel loads.
Longer Fire Seasons: Climate change extends the period when wildfires are likely to occur.
Increased Fuel Loads: Higher temperatures and precipitation promote vegetation growth, increasing the amount of flammable material.
High-Risk Days: The number of high-risk days for wildfires in the UK could quadruple by 2080.
Controlled Burning: A Necessary Tool
Controlled burning, or "cool burning," is a traditional land management practice used to reduce fuel loads on moorlands. This practice helps make moorlands less susceptible to wildfires while preserving the carbon-rich peat soils beneath.
Fuel Load Reduction: Controlled burns reduce the amount of flammable vegetation.
Peat Soil Preservation: Cool burning helps protect the vulnerable carbon-rich peat soils.
Firebreak Creation: Controlled burning can help in creating firebreaks to limit the spread of wildfires.
The Importance of Moorland Management
Managing vegetation is crucial for reducing wildfire risk. The Moorland Association advocates for using every available tool to reduce wildfire risk.
Public Information: Providing information, signage, and education.
Vegetation Management: Keeping vegetation short along walking routes and car parks.
Controlled Burning or Mowing: Using controlled burning or mowing to break up large areas of woody vegetation.
Rewilding and Wildfire Risk
Rewilding, which involves allowing natural processes to shape the landscape, can increase wildfire risk. Allowing fuel loads to increase naturally as vegetation grows contributes to a greater fire risk.
Increased Fuel Loads: Rewilding can lead to higher fuel loads.
Greater Fire Risk: Higher fuel loads increase the likelihood and intensity of wildfires.
The Role of Gamekeepers
Gamekeepers and moorland managers play a crucial role in preventing and combating wildfires. They often are the first to respond to wildfire outbreaks due to living and working in remote areas.
Early Detection: Gamekeepers are often the first to spot fires.
Quick Response: They can respond quickly to contain the blaze.
Equipment and Expertise: Gamekeepers possess specialized equipment and knowledge of upland habitats.
What Actions Can Be Taken?
Several actions can be taken to mitigate the wildfire risk and protect public health.
Allow Preventative Licenses: Instruct Natural England to allow licenses for traditional vegetation management techniques.
Reduce Rural Fuel Loads: Ensure that rural fuel loads are reduced to safe levels through legislation.
Employ Wildfire Experts: Natural England and Defra should employ in-house wildfire experts.
A Call to Action
The risk of devastating wildfires is growing and cannot be ignored. By taking action now, we can push for the management changes needed to protect our landscapes and communities.
Write to Your MP: Urge your Member of Parliament to address the wildfire risk – use our free template here.
Support Management Changes: Advocate for policies that support effective vegetation management.
Raise Awareness: Share this information with others to increase awareness of the issue.
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