With a high risk of wildfires across the Island due to the ongoing hot, dry and windy weather, we are urging Islanders to act responsibly when visiting our reservoirs and surrounding countryside.
The warning comes as Jersey Met has issued a Level 5 plus fire severity warning, meaning the risk of wildfires under current weather conditions is “extreme”.
Visitors to our land are reminded that BBQs and open fires are not permitted and that cigarettes and smoking materials should always be disposed of safely off-site. Even a small spark from a BBQ, open fire or discarded cigarette can quickly develop into a wildfire, putting nature and the public at risk.
Preventing wildfires is also particularly important for protecting the Island’s limited water supplies. Large fires require significant emergency response efforts and water to bring under control, when resources are already under pressure.
We all need to take extra care and act responsibly, both at the reservoirs and other outdoor locations to prevent avoidable fires.
It’s not a big ask to protect our Island and our water this summer.
Mark Bowden, our Head of Water Resilience and Emergency Planning advised:
“Our reservoirs are there for everyone to enjoy and for nature to flourish, but the current dry conditions and increasingly strong winds mean even a small act of carelessness could have serious consequences. Wildfires can cause significant damage, put wildlife and public at risk and require substantial emergency efforts and water to get under control. We need everyone to take extra care and act responsibly, both at our reservoirs and elsewhere across Jersey.”
Visitors to our reservoirs are reminded that:
- BBQs and open fires are not permitted
- Cigarettes and smoking materials should be disposed of responsibly offsite
- Litter should be taken home or recycled in appropriate bins.
Anyone who spots any signs of smoke or flames on Jersey Water land or elsewhere around the Island should call the emergency services immediately.
