Designed to test response strategies, the exercise ensured that firefighters could formulate and implement an effective plan to contain and extinguish a wildfire while minimising damage. The need for such preparedness has grown in recent years, with wildfire incidents increasing across the UK. In Cheshire, wildfires typically occur more frequently during warmer spring and summer months. While climate change plays a role, many of these fires are preventable, often caused by discarded cigarettes, unattended barbecues, and other human actions.

The event highlighted the importance of collaboration between fire services operating across county borders, ensuring that teams can work efficiently together in real-world incidents. Cheshire’s wildfire lead, Station Manager Ben Sanderson, emphasised the value of joint training exercises:

“These exercises are vital for ensuring that in the event of a wildfire, there are robust and experienced people trained to tackle them. The scenarios went well and brought up lots of conversation about equipment, policies, procedures and tactics.

“Thank you to Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service and all involved for making the exercise such a success. This has further strengthened the Fire Operations Group and the relationship with our partners.”

The Fire Operations Group was formed in 1996 following a serious moorland blaze and now includes Fire and Rescue Services from West Yorkshire, Staffordshire, Greater Manchester, Cheshire, and Derbyshire. The group also works alongside the National Trust, Peak District rangers, landowners, gamekeepers, and utility companies to improve wildfire prevention and response.

Collaboration and preparation remain key in tackling wildfires, particularly as extreme weather events become more frequent. By continually refining their skills and strategies through exercises like this, fire services ensure they are ready to protect lives, property, and the environment when wildfires strike.

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