Conservatives call for Solihull wildfire restrictions after summer fires

Solihull Conservatives have called for further action to reduce the risk of wildfires across the borough following a summer of exceptionally hot and dry weather.

A motion submitted to Solihull Council calls for the authority to investigate legal and practical measures that could restrict barbecues, disposable barbecues, campfires, fire pits and other open fires in public places where they are considered to pose an unacceptable fire risk.

The proposals come after wildfires affected parts of Solihull during the summer, including incidents in Catherine-de-Barnes.

Councillor Edward Fitter, who proposed the motion, said the dry conditions had demonstrated how quickly fires could spread.

“This summer demonstrated how quickly fires can take hold during prolonged hot and dry weather,” he said.

“Prevention is far better than dealing with the devastating consequences of a wildfire, so we want the Council to investigate every sensible and proportionate measure available to protect our communities and green spaces.”

The motion has been seconded by Councillor David Hoey, who said fires in Catherine-de-Barnes had shown the potential impact on local communities.

“These incidents put our green spaces, wildlife, homes and communities at risk and place additional pressure on our emergency services,” he said.

The Conservatives are also calling for improved emergency procedures during periods of high wildfire risk.

The motion asks the council to consider whether Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) or other enforcement measures could be used to prevent fires in locations where the risk is considered particularly high.

It also calls for the council to work closely with the West Midlands Fire Service and use professional fire-safety advice when considering future measures.

The party said lessons from the summer should be taken into account alongside the forthcoming Wildfire Summit.

The proposals would not automatically introduce a borough-wide ban on barbecues or fires.

Instead, the motion asks the council to investigate what restrictions could be legally and practically introduced, particularly in areas where dry conditions create a greater risk.

The issue could become increasingly important if periods of hot and dry weather become more frequent, with parks, countryside and other open spaces potentially facing greater wildfire risks.

The Conservatives said the aim was to find proportionate measures that could prevent avoidable fires while protecting Solihull's green spaces, wildlife, homes and communities.