§ Mr. SwireTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether his Department has issued guidelines to fire brigades on naturally ignited fires on heath and common land.[109646]
§ Mr. RaynsfordNo specific guidance has been issued regarding naturally ignited fires on heath and common land. However, following the drought of the summer of 1976, a Joint Working Party was set up to review the experience of the Fire Service during this period. The Report of the group was issued under cover of Dear Chief 239W Officer Letter 28/1978 and made 61 recommendations that may be relevant to the management of such fires. A copy of the report has been placed in the Library.