Exercise Sliding Stone strengthens preparedness for wildfires

A multi-agency wildfire exercise brought together more than 20 different agencies to test their response to a high impact wildfire scenario.

Responders tested their preparedness, coordination and decision-making to the fast-moving incident which was set in Leicestershire countryside under heatwave and drought conditions.

Agencies taking part included Leicestershire Fire and Rescue, Leicestershire Police, the NHS, local authorities, the Environment Agency, Severn Trent and Bradgate Park.

Guest speakers from North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum were also present to share their experiences of responding to, and recovering from, large scale wildfires last year.

Attendees also learned that 95% of wildfires in the UK are caused by human activity, whether deliberate or accidental. Most could therefore be prevented.

To prepare your home and community to deal with summer hazards like wildfires, drought and heatwaves, take a look at our free Risk Ready Communities advice, webinars and resources.