THE Country Land and Business Association (CLA) has warned of the “devastating” impact wildfires can have on farmland as temperatures rise. 

It has advised landowners and land managers to be prepared for fires, ensure that fire breaks are cut and well-maintained and to get rid of any cut grass and vegetation. 

The CLA also urged farmers to keep their machinery well-maintained. 

“If a wildfire encroaches upon farmland, then crops and farm buildings can be consumed,” a spokesperson said.  

“The dry and windy conditions have elevated wildfire conditions across large swathes of the country, particularly on hillsides, moors and heathland. 

“The conditions mean that, should a wildfire be experienced, it could spread quickly and easily taking a great deal of resources to bring under control.  

“Large wildfires are thankfully rare but, when they do occur, they can be very serious and affect large areas of the countryside.”