Key facts
- Drought declaration
- Hertfordshire officially in drought, announced July 29
- Affected areas
- Seven areas of the country affected
- Rainfall
- Seven per cent of expected rainfall nationally, one per cent in southern England
- Hosepipe ban
- In effect, could last all summer
- Recent fire
- Large fire in Redbourn on August 3, believed caused by discarded cigarette
Background
Verulamium Park, a popular green space in St Albans, is among many areas across Hertfordshire suffering from an ongoing drought and high temperatures. Pictures shared with The Herts Advertiser on August 3 show the extent of dried-out greenery in the park.
Hertfordshire is officially in drought following a period of prolonged dry weather. The Environment Agency made the announcement on July 29, with seven areas of the country affected.
Helen Wakeham, director of water at the Environment Agency and chair of the National Drought Group, said: "The hot and dry weather means we are currently using water faster than nature can replenish it."
Current situation
The drought comes amid a fourth heatwave of a summer that has seen just seven per cent of expected rainfall nationally and one per cent in southern England.
Hertfordshire is also subject to a hosepipe ban, which began earlier this month and could last all summer. Affinity Water has warned that those repeatedly flouting the ban could face a fine.
The dry conditions have contributed to several fires in the area. Many farm fields have caught alight in the Redbourn and Flamstead areas, with firefighters called to an increased number of reports. Discarded cigarettes are believed to have ignited dry land.
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| July 29 | Drought declared | Hertfordshire |
| July 30 | Grass fire extinguished | A414 North Orbital Road |
| August 3 | Large field fire | Redbourn |
Impacts
A large fire broke out in a field to the rear of Nicholls Close, Redbourn, on the evening of August 3. The fire service issued a warning after the incident, stating: "Please ensure smokers discard of cigarettes carefully, ensuring they are out, as we believe this started through a carelessly discarded cigarette. Luckily the fire spread was quickly halted and it did not cross into adjacent fields."
Previously, on July 30, a small patch of grass was extinguished by police officers on the A414 North Orbital Road, also believed to have been caused by a cigarette.
Herts Fire and Rescue Service is asking everyone to help reduce the risk of grass and field fires by avoiding lighting open fires in the countryside, disposing of smoking materials safely, only using barbecues where permitted, and taking litter home, particularly glass bottles, which can increase fire risk in dry conditions.
Future outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
If the dry weather persists, the hosepipe ban could last all summer, and further fires may occur. The fire service has urged early reporting of fires to help crews respond quickly and prevent spread.
If conditions improve, the drought status may be reviewed by the National Drought Group, which assesses conditions to decide if a drought should be declared. However, no official threshold criteria exist for drought.
Residents are advised to follow safety guidance, and if a fire is seen, move to a place of safety and call 999 immediately. Deliberate fires should be reported to police or FireStoppers anonymously on 0800 169 5558.
Source: hertsad.co.uk
