RDE391 - Environmental impact of chemical fire suppressants on open semi-natural

Natural England area teams need to provide evidence-based advice in emergency situations, to extinguish fires and minimise damage to SSSIs and other protected sites. It is expected that the need for chemical fire suppression (such as wetting agents, compressed air foam systems and expansion foam concentrates) within these habitats will continue to grow in the years to come, with a likely increasing frequency and magnitude of wildfires in the UK as a result of climate change. Changing seasonal and rainfall patterns coupled with changing water use will continue to result in reduced accessibility to sufficient water for fire suppression activities, especially in upland areas, increasing the need for chemical additives to be used in these situations. However, Fire and Rescue Services in the UK are hesitant of using these suppressants due to lack of knowledge as to their environmental effects and efficacy, therefore potentially failing to utilise an effective suppression solution.

The contract was awarded by Natural England.