Northumberland Fire Group

The Northumberland Fire Group, now the Northumberland Wildfire Group, is an assemblage of public and private sectors which sought to tackle the increasing threat of large wildfires in rural parts of Northumberland. Members of the group include landowners, land agents, public sector bodies, farmers, and anyone with an interest in wildfire.

Northwoods worked in conjunction with Northumberland Fire and Rescue Services and Forest Enterprise (now Forestry England) to develop and deliver the Northumberland Fire Group from 2006. The Fire Group was also supported by DEFRA, Northumberland National Park, Dräger safety, Forestry Commission, Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service and the EU.

The aim of the Northumberland Fire Group was to liaise with rural communities, landowners and land managers to improve communication, promote effective fire planning, and reduce the threat of these types of fires.

Increased access to the countryside, combined with warmer, longer summers and milder winters are increasing the risk of more severe wildfires in the UK. The impact of an unplanned fire on a rural community can be vast – starting with the direct costs of putting out a fire. In addition, the damage to buildings and property that need to be repaired, loss of income from grouse shooting and sheep grazing and damage to the landscape can have a major impact on recreation and tourism. Worst case scenario is personal injury or loss of life.

Controlling forest/moorland fires requires specialist equipment, training, and resources, but preventing wildfires is the best way to minimise the impact of them. By opening lines of communication, facilitating practical training, and helping create effective and meaningful fire plans, the threat can be significantly reduced.

Northwood’s delivered a range of training events, communications, and publications to support individuals and organisations to develop fire plans, work effectively with the fire service, assist with wildfire fighting, and increase knowledge of wildfires including the risks and consequences. The Fire Group was seen as an example of best practice and as a model for other fire groups in the UK.  

Much of the work of the original Northumberland Fire Group remains in place today. The current Northumberland Wildfire Group (NWG) remains a multi-agency group hosted by Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service, and still works to address wildfire issues in Northumberland to protect those that live, work, and visit Northumberland. It is open to any individual or organisation in Northumberland with an interest in wildfire-related issues. For more information or if you would like to join the NWG, visit their website.

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