In our part of the world, we’re quite lucky. We don’t see the same weather extremes that other countries do. But that doesn’t mean they don’t still affect us and shouldn’t be prepared with wildfire beaters wherever there is a possible risk.
Wildfires are practically commonplace in North America and Australia. We often see pictures on the news of firefighters struggling to fight blazes which stretch across vast areas of land.
Homes devastated. Businesses gone. Beautiful scenery disappeared. Wildlife threatened. Crops destroyed. And lives are changed forever.
But they often all start from a small, single flame.
Lightning, human carelessness, and arson are all common causes and often affect areas in the middle of a heat wave, suffering widespread drought.
In the UK, we’re still prone to wildfires. And although, thankfully, they’re not on the same scale we see on the news, they can still have a devastating effect.
The UK Wildfire
Wildfires are dangerous. Any uncontrolled vegetation fire requiring suppression is classed as a wildfire. And changes in climate are likely to make them more frequent.
During the hot year of 2003, statistics show that there were 621,000 wildfires in the UK. And during a 19-day period from 18th April 2011 when England experienced hotter-than-usual temperatures, there were more than 7,100 wildfires.
It commonly affects grassland, moors, marshes and heaths, of which there are plenty in the UK. And natural causes, like lightning, are far less likely to cause a wildfire here. Instead, they are mostly the result of human intervention, such as:
- Unattended barbecues;
- Out-of-control campfires;
- Sparks from machinery;
- Controlled fires which get out-of-control;
- Arson.
How Does A Wildfire Beater Work?
It isn’t always possible to have a fire extinguisher, especially in the rural areas where wildfires are most likely. But by applying water, you can extinguish a small fire.
However, unlike an extinguisher, a wildfire beater isn’t going to run out after 10 seconds of use. Plus it is more feasible to leave these outdoors without negatively impacting their abilities.
With a clip, these can be securely fixed anywhere, but in a way which doesn’t hinder someone trying to use it.
They do exactly what it says on the tin. By beating the flames, you’re not only removing the oxygen but also helping cool the area. And because the beater is generally rubber, metal or mesh on the end of a handle, you can remain a safe distance from the danger.
The wildfire beater is ideal for suppressing fires in the early stages, or to stop further spread. By directly attacking the edges, you can aggressively attack the fire.
Although it is an effective method of fire containment, it isn’t suitable for use on flames approaching 1.5metres (5 foot) in height.
Where You May Need A Wildfire Beater
Although it isn’t compulsory to have anywhere, there are many places where it is advised. For example, a campsite or country park is likely to benefit from having these on site in designated areas.
In fact, anywhere it is likely that members of the public might decide to set up a campfire or barbecue. Being able to grab a wildfire beater quickly will help to prevent it spreading through long grass.
Just ensure you have made it clear to everyone where they can find it.
Farms are also at high risk. There are many ways a fire could start and many potential dangers which exist. With livestock, crops, machinery, and highly-flammable materials, it’s in a farmer’s best interest to do everything they can to suppress a fire.
Should a fire start, however small, having a plan which can immediately be put into action can prevent it from causing significant damage.
A fire can severely scar the environment in a variety of different ways, and it can take a lifetime for it to recover.
But by having wildfire beaters and wildfire equipment in high-risk areas, you can help to significantly reduce the impact a fire could have.