The organisers of Menhirs Fate have just been informed by the Safety Advisory Group that a RED Wildfire Risk has now been issued across the Thames Valley region. With the current combination of prolonged dry weather, high temperatures, low humidity and strong winds, even a small flame or stray spark has the potential to start a serious wildfire.
To protect everyone attending the event, all fires are now prohibited anywhere on site, including fires for cooking, heating or leisure. This restriction takes effect immediately and will remain in place for the duration of the event unless conditions change.
We know this may be disappointing, but this is not a decision we have taken lightly. We are incredibly fortunate to be welcomed onto a beautiful rural site, and a wildfire here could have devastating consequences. It could put the lives of our players and crew at immediate risk, as well as cause significant damage to the surrounding land and threaten the livelihoods of the farmers who have allowed us to use their home.
This means that we cannot allow open fire cooking such as fire pits and stoves but we can allow gas stoves as long as they are more than 15cm from the ground and follow all the above fire safety rules.
We ask everyone to respect this restriction and help us keep the event safe. If you see anyone using an open flame, please politely remind them of the fire ban or inform a member of the event team.
If you discover a fire:
- Raise the alarm immediately by alerting those nearby and notifying event staff.
- Move away from the area and encourage others to do the same.
- Follow the directions of event staff and, if instructed, evacuate the area promptly
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. By working together, we can ensure Menhirs Fate remains a safe and enjoyable event for everyone while protecting the land that has been entrusted to us.
In addition we want to put a warning about lithium ion batteries frequently found things such as battery charge packs. In extreme heat these be a fire risk. This can frequently be noticed by them expanding. Further information on this risk can be found here.
https://bucksfire.gov.uk/lithium-ion-battery-safety-advice-during-warm-temperatures/
Any smokers please throw any cigarettes away in a closed container preferably doused in water and keep lighters off the ground.