Agenda item

Report of the Director of Open Spaces.

The Committee received a report of the Director of Open Spaces on the subject of fires within Epping Forest in 2018. The report detailed progress made with the implementation of the 2013 Wildfire Improvement Plan and referenced the 2018 drought during which 47 there were wildfires at various locations across Epping Forest and included a major 4-day incident at Wanstead Flats.

It was enquired by a Member if there had been any engagement with the local schools and youth groups with regard to education on forest fires. The Superintendent informed the Committee that the Epping Forest team had not engaged with local schools in the manner suggested by the Member but that they were aware of the educational outreach undertaken by the London Fire Brigade. The Chairman noted the importance of education on this issue and a Member commented he believed that people were more likely to maintain the Epping Forest if they understood its value. The Superintendent highlighted that the Police Service had urged a cautious approach to engaging the public on the issue of wildfires as they could encourage an increase in ‘copycat’ cases of.

RESOLVED- that the report be noted.