By Isle of Wight Observer
A day after a serious drought was declared across the Isle of Wight – with a high risk of wildfires highlighted by the Environment Agency – councillors on the Environment and Public Protection Committee agreed last night (Thursday) to push wildfire‑prevention back to their September meeting, despite having already held a public consultation, which established wide public support for action.
The absurdity highlighted a great big elephant sat in the corner of the Council chamber: councillors had asked residents what they wanted before establishing whether it had the powers, resources, or funding to do anything at all.
Cllr Ed Blake proposed that officers now prepare a report setting out the feasibility, legal implications, resource requirements, and estimated costs of introducing restricted or seasonal access at identified high‑risk sites, along with a summary of existing enforcement powers. Information from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service (HIWFRS) on wildfire impacts, partnership working, education, and signage will also return to the September 2026 ECP committee.
Cllr Vix Lowthion added – and the committee accepted – that HIWFRS should provide a briefing on the actual cost of the Headon Warren wildfire response. If councillors are to weigh prevention against affordability, they agreed, it must be measured against a real figure for what a single day’s wildfire costs the public purse.
The committee also agreed to contact Island retailers and campsites, urging them to withdraw disposable barbecues and sky lanterns during high‑risk periods, and to write to the Island’s MPs asking them to lobby government for a national ban.
Tilly Walder