bbc.com
Hundreds of UK Wildfires Linked to Military Drills Since 2023
Live-fire military training exercises on Ministry of Defence (MoD) land have caused 385 out of 439 wildfires between January 2023 and October 2023, hampered by unexploded ordnance from WWII.
- What long-term measures could mitigate the risk of future wildfires linked to military training?
- The MoD should prioritize clearing unexploded ordnance from training sites. Restricting live-fire training during dry months, improving firebreak maintenance, and exploring alternative training methods could significantly reduce wildfire risks. Continued collaboration between the MoD, fire services, and local communities is crucial.
- How do unexploded ordnance and the location of training impact wildfire response and environmental consequences?
- Unexploded ordnance from previous military exercises, particularly WWII, prevents firefighters from safely accessing and extinguishing blazes. Fires in 'impact zones' are often left to burn out, creating large amounts of smoke that cause air pollution and health problems for nearby residents. The extensive damage to landscapes is likened to a 'burnt savannah'.
- What is the extent of wildfires caused by military training in the UK since 2023, and what are the immediate consequences?
- Between January 2023 and October 2023, 385 out of 439 wildfires on MoD land resulted from military exercises. These fires cause significant disruption including road closures, health risks from smoke inhalation, and damage to the environment. Unexploded ordnance from WWII further complicates firefighting efforts.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a balanced view by including perspectives from various stakeholders: the MoD, local residents affected by the wildfires, and experts. While it highlights the significant number of wildfires caused by military training, it also presents the MoD's perspective and actions taken to mitigate the risk. The inclusion of diverse viewpoints prevents a one-sided narrative.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and objective. Terms like "vast moorland blaze" and "horrendous" are descriptive but don't carry strong emotional connotations. The quotes from residents are presented without editorial spin.
Bias by Omission
The article could benefit from including data on the total number of wildfires in the UK, regardless of their cause, to provide context for the proportion caused by military training. Additionally, a discussion of the economic costs associated with the wildfires (both to the MoD and to local communities) would strengthen the analysis.
Sustainable Development Goals
Military training causing hundreds of wildfires directly contributes to climate change by releasing greenhouse gases and destroying carbon sinks. The article highlights the significant number of wildfires resulting from military exercises, the challenges in extinguishing them due to unexploded ordnance, and the resulting air pollution. These factors negatively impact climate action goals.