Wales – Controlled burning and grassland fires
Wales – Controlled burning and grassland fires
15 March 2010
published by www.meattradenewsdaily.co.uk
UK — Following the spate of grassland fires across Wales in recent days the Welsh Assembly Government is reminding landowners of their obligations under The Heather and Grass etc Burning (Wales) Regulations 2008 when carrying out controlled burning.
Landowners are allowed to use controlled burning of Heather and Grassland as a land management tool during the proscribed burning season. The burning season for 2010 ended in lowland areas on March 15 and ends in upland areas on March 31 2010. Farmers wishing to carry out controlled burning must adhere to the Heather and Grass Burning Code for Wales 2008 which stipulates that advance notice of an intended burn must be given to neighbours and that a burning management plan must be prepared and adhered to. It is illegal to leave a fire unattended or to have too few people to control it. No burning is allowed between sunset and sunrise.
Uncontrolled burning can have significant detrimental affects including damage to property, SSSI sites, wildlife, ancient monuments and lead to soil erosion. In addition such incidents will tie up the resources of the Fire Service which could potentially put the public at risk as the Fire Service will have a reduced ability to respond to other incidents.
Any incidents where it is believed the Heather and Grass Burning Regulations and accompanying Code have not been adhered to will be investigated by the Rural Inspectorate for Wales and enforcement action taken as appropriate.
