A South Gloucestershire dairy farmer is highlighting the potential fire risks accompanying the dry weather conditions across the UK after a blaze left part of his land scorched.
Richard Cornock – who is also known as the ‘Funky Farmer’ on social media – documented the efforts made to stop a blaze that broke out in his fields last week.
Cornock said the fire took off as a result of neighbours lighting a bonfire on one of the hottest days in the year paired with a stiff wind.
He stated that he had only bought the land two months prior to this fire, where three fields have now been burnt out.
Cornock noted that it was fortunate that the surrounding houses did not catch alight
He said: “Luckily, nobody is injured, which is the main thing.”
However, Cornock had to evacuate all his cows that were in the area at the time.
Five fire engines were dispatched to the blaze in an effort to try and prevent the fire from spreading any further.
Cornock said their biggest concern was not the grass, but rather the hedgerows.
Fire safety
With many areas in drought across the UK currently and temperatures remaining high, the risk of field fires remains high.
Wildfires like this are dangerous to people, wildlife, and ecosystems and can cost farmers thousands of pounds in lost income.
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) published a mid season report at the end of June, stating that fire and rescue had already responded to 564 wildfire since January 1.
The NFCC said that this was a 717% increase from the same time period in 2024, where 69 wildfires were recorded.
NFCC chair, Phil Garrigan said: “We are deeply concerned about the escalating threat of wildfires this summer, which have the potential to become more frequent, intense, and dangerous.”
“We all need to play our part in protecting each other, our environment, and our homes and businesses.
“We want everyone to enjoy the nice weather – we are just asking that they take extra care when out and about because it only takes one small error to lead to a significant wildfire.”
NFCC said that most wildfires in the UK are caused by human activity, whether accidental or deliberate.
The council reminded people to avoid using disposable barbecues in the open countryside and to remember to not discard cigarettes, matches, or glass bottles, as they can ignite dry vegetation.
