National Wildfire Tactical Advisors from fire services across the UK attended the four-day summit to discuss wildfire incidents, training and techniques.
Guests were welcomed by Assistant Chief Fire Officer Glenn Bowyer on Monday before sessions with wildfire behaviour academics and a visit to the scene of one of the largest wildfires in Hampshire from earlier this year, at Longmoor Army Camp.
Hampshire and Surrey crews battled the Longmoor blaze in the intense June heat with the incident lasting several days and destroying 16-hectares of woodland.
HIWFRS Wildfire Tactical Advisor, Andy Weeks said:
“Wildfires are becoming more frequent across the UK. They can be complex and arduous incidents which occupy a large number of resources.
“This week provides a great opportunity for national tactical advisors across the country to come together to learn from each other’s experiences following another busy summer of large outdoor incidents.
“By working together and regularly meeting with other fire services we are able to discuss different wildfire principles and techniques, as well as share the learning and ideas acquired following our recent exchange trips to Australia and Oregon.”
The specialists cemented their learning with a series of exercise scenarios designed to challenge their command skills and decision-making at wildfire incidents.
Delegates will now go back to their respective teams to share their learning from the week, with the knowledge hopefully spreading like wildfire across the UK fire service!