Sheffield Green Party Councillor Brian Holmshaw has called for action by the Council and Government to address the danger from the extreme heat the City has been experiencing.
Councillor Holmshaw, who is Chair of the Communities, Parks and Leisure Committee said,
“National Government is asleep at the wheel in the extreme heat emergency we are facing right now. The country is literally on fire and we need strong action by the Government to address the problem. The dangers of extreme heat and wildfires are a threat to local wildlife, our homes and the health of local people. Acrid smoke from wildfires is affecting the lungs of our people and our wildlife.
“The government needs to ban the sale of instant barbecues and provide resources to local government to enforce this. The Council could introduce a Public Space Protection Order banning their use but that will take time to introduce.
“Our emergency services that protect our communities and countryside deserve the support of politicians both at the local and national level. We need to map areas of high risk so emergency services are able to plan effectively for urban and rural wildfires.
“Combustible material including flytipping needs to be removed swiftly from Council managed woodland and open spaces
“We need a sustained and repeated public information campaign on actions people can take to reduce the likelihood of wildfires. We also need to encourage the reporting of people who deliberately start fires and I am urging people to report anonymously to Fire Stoppers on 0800 169 5558 if they are aware of anyone starting fires.
“What we can’t do is ignore the issue. Climate Change is happening now and getting worse as each year passes.”
