Category Archives: education

Lovely Weather – Fire Risk

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The nature of the military lands, with their free draining and poor soils, is the very reason they became military lands in 1854 (no good for agriculture), what makes them special (specialist wildlife like the Nightjar), and what makes them great all-weather recreational space when not in use for military training.

But at times of light or no rainfall they become a fire risk. After an extended dry period the soil and vegetation dries out. Chuck in some high temperatures and a drying wind and the moisture levels drop setting the conditions for a heath fire.

Which is exactly what has happened recently at Ash Ranges, followed by another heath fire in Long Valley.

Hampshire Fire Service already on the scene

The fire started around midday on Thursday the 1st and was still being damped down at 17:30 the same day. It looked hot and exhausting work and according to one firefighter was a struggle to control as the shifting winds moved the direction of the fire around the clearing threatening nearby stands of pine.

In all about 22 acres of the 450 total at Long Valley were burned. The gravel firebreaks helped but the efforts of the fire crews attending prevented a much worse outcome.

Fire risk high enough to include a coupe of incident control units and a portable water storage facility.

Fires can be caused by a few things such as:

  • Deliberate arson
  • Discarded cigarettes
  • Broken glass
  • Military training
  • Barbecues and other open fires

This is where recreational users come in and do their bit. During these dry times keep an eye out for anything that might be the starting of a fire. Pick up glass and dispose of it safely and make sure the ciggy is out.

Above all, forget the idea of taking a barbecue – disposable or otherwise – or making a fire on the lands. Recently one mountain biker spotted this:

This is an absolutely bonkers idea at any time, let alone after a period of dry and warm weather. TAG would urge anyone considering this to change their plans…

The ground may appear stony but if things get out of hand a fire will quickly escalate and create a massive problem needing serious intervention. Just don’t even think about it…

If we are out on the lands being vigilant and aware is key. Keep an eye out for any signs of fire do not hesitate to call 999 if there is any hint of a burn starting.

Any behaviour that is likely to cause harm or damage to the lands can be reported directly to MOD South East Operations room on 01420 483405.

Its all in the TAG Code of Conduct.

Above all, be the good neighbour and take care of the place. It’s special to us and we should all respect the lands.

Did You Know – Where Are They Hiding?

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One of the key points TAG’s code of conduct is giving space for soldiers to train.

The recent Respect The Range campaign managed to raise an awareness that our military lands are working environments that support the activities of our defence forces, however it did very little to educate. The campaign encouraged irrational and baseless fear but offered zero practical advice. It was interesting to find the imagery in the campaign contradicted the Aldershot Standing Orders:

When the training undertaken does not appear to present a risk to civilians, or where a unit can accept civilians walking or riding horses on the area being used for training, then it is HQ SE Trg Estates policy not to exclude those civilians. 

Aldershot Training Area Standing Orders – 10. CIVILIAN ACCESS TO MOD TRAINING LAND

However, it remains the responsibility of all of us – dog walkers, joggers, cyclists, picnic organisers and equestrians – to let soldiers get on with the business of training without interruption.

The first and perhaps most important step we can all take is be aware of what is going on. It’s not always easy but even with the best camouflage there are signs soldiers are out and about.

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