Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) is reassuring the public that it is ready to respond to wildfires this year as the dry weather season begins.

Two new vehicles, which are specifically designed to fight wild and grass fires, have been added to the fleet.

The vehicles are 4x4 Can-Am Traxters and will be on hand to tackle wildfires. The two-seater vehicle can reach a top speed of 43mph and is taken to incidents using a transporter vehicle. It features a rescue winch with 2,041kg capacity, a towing capacity of 1,134kg and it can hold up to 240L of water.

In addition, both the vehicles are equipped with high powered blowers and brush cutters to enhance its wildfire firefighting tactics. KFRS also has wildfire kits as part of its firefighting tactics. This includes a smaller hose which is more manoeuvrable to target larger areas.

The wildfire kit was recently used to extinguish a fire at a home in Ashford. In late March, six fire engines and the bulk water carrier were called to a large field where a bonfire had got out of control with the flames spreading rapidly.

The homeowner said: “We were doing some gardening and had some bits to burn in the middle of the field. There was no wind but suddenly it spread really quickly. We did try to put it out ourselves, but our hose didn’t reach, and we couldn’t fill buckets up quickly enough. So that’s when we called 999.

“We’ve had many a bonfire and we’ve never had an issue. Even though the ground was wet the top of the grass was actually very dry and it has subsequently caused the fire to spread so fast and has caused a lot of damage, luckily not reaching our boundary.”

Around two acres of the grass field was alight, which is comparable to about two football pitches. Crews used the wildfire hose kit, wildfire branch and a flex pack to extinguish the flames.

This bonfire incident precedes further incidents that have since happened in the ‘wildfire season’, which each year starts in March and ends in September.  

In March, crews were called to Dartford Heath to reports of undergrowth alight, thought to be started deliberately. Three fire engines attended.

On the same day crews attended a grass fire in Barnfield, Chatham, again believed to have been started deliberately.

Later that day, an area the size of a swimming pool was set to have been set alight in Swanscombe. Crews had to send one fire engine to help extinguish these flames.

Station Manager for Response Assurance, Richard, said: “Luckily these incidents didn’t amount to anything more than our usual firefighting response, but things could have been different and as the summer approaches with that brings warm and dry weather. These are the perfect conditions for wildfires and grass fires to start.

“We’re urging people to please be mindful of how quickly fires can spread, whether they are accidental or on purpose. If you do see anyone starting a fire deliberately, please help us by reporting this anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or completing an online form. We do not want a repeat of the devastating fires that blighted our county in 2022.” 

KFRS is asking everyone to do their bit this summer - stay informed, take precautions, and help us to keep Kent and Medway safe from wildfires: 

• Avoid discarding cigarettes or matches while walking or driving through the countryside 
• Only have barbecues in authorised areas and make sure it is cold before it is disposed of correctly 
• Be sure not leave barbecues or bonfires unattended 
• Avoid having campfires in the countryside 
• Use dirt or sand to put out bonfires when you leave  
• Litter such as reflective cans and glass can start fires, so take your rubbish with you if you live close to woodland or fields  
• Don’t burn off garden rubbish during hot weather 
• Report any evidence of illegal fire setting activity via Crimestoppers 0800 555 111  
  
  What to do if you discover a fire: 
• Move to a safe place and call the fire service on 999 immediately, providing as much detail as you can - size of fire, location and terrain 
• Don't tackle the fire 
• If you haven't already, evacuate the area as soon as possible - these types of fires can spread fast