Fire Risk

I think that this topic deserves its own thread and in "What's Going On"; it is very relevant to what might or might not be running. Some individuals have access to NR's current fire risk status and have posted information and I for one am very grateful. However the posts have appeared on several threads, it might be more convenient if the information appeared in one place.

In the past I have always relied on the Fire Risk Index (maps) that appeared on the Met Office site (and they were usually in close agreement with NR's mitigation measures). At the end of March the Met Office stopped posting the information with the plan that Natural England would do so but only from early May, this has now happened. It may be of some use, but not for Scotland.

Natural England - Open Access & Coastal Access Maps

 

Glad somebody else has posted this here, and believes it should be here.

I saw a forecast today predicting less than 10mm of rain for much of Yorkshire between now and Mid-June so I cannot imagine much change from the Amber/Red anytime soon.

 

Why should it be discussed elsewhere? The subforum is Mainline Activity and Tours. Yes, some preserved lines have put in their own measures but they can be dealt with in their own threads. Surely having one thread on the specific mainline section to discuss it is better than having people ask repeatedly on different threads because the answer isn't readily accessible?

 

All TOCs have to deal with it in set ways regardless. Such as they have to provide Diesel Assistance. We all know on here how that looks, and as such it shouldn’t need discussing widely. Ie if it’s Belmond we know it’ll be behind the Loco, if it’s WCR it’ll be at the back 9/10 (Today’s 1Z62 I believe is an exception to that “rule).

Ultimately what it adds to What’s Going On - Well it could not be any more about “going on” if it tried. It is literally going on right before us. It is part of every charter that has steam in. It’s literally going on here and now. So of course it’s “What’s Going On”. Infact it’s more going on, than people still discussing the GB thread which has now passed and as such isn’t going on!

 

Absolutely well said. Couldn’t agree any more.

 

I'm very happy to see it here in this specific thread, so thank you @Oswald T Wistle

It will be my go to thread for the limited main line steam I will think about going out to photo. I may then go onto the specific train thread.

Bryan

 

But sure Al if you think the thread is in the wrong place (and to be honest, I can't think of a better location for a thread about the risks collectively facing mainline operations than in the sub-forum dedicated to mainline operations ...) you could have just moved it! Instead, someone has started a potentially interesting conversation and it has been instantly turned into an argument about classification that wouldn't look out of place in the letters page of "Librarians weekly"...

Tom

 

My opinion is that this belongs squarely here - it is directly relevant to main line steam tours, which is what the WGO thread is all about. When readers check here for what is running they can also check what they might expect to see from any steam allowed out. Of course, the ideal would be a symbol or note against each tour warning that it is affected by fire restrictions but that would require too much work to ensure a semblance of accuracy. I will bow gracefully to whatever is decided reagrding its location on the forum, but it does look as if this spring/summer is shaping up to be a disappointing one for steam (and, as a gardener, for me too!).

 

Certainly not looking like it'll be a green status anytime soon. I, much like @Oswald T Wistle also used the Met Office Fire Severity index when wondering about this as I can't imagine that it's too different from what NR follow, but I'm happy to be correct by those that always give out what the NR fire risk status is, which has been appreciated not just because it's a clearer picture but also that during the transition from the Met Office to Natural England there wasn't any way of finding it out! Typical that a very dry April/May was the time they decided to do the transition (instead of say, during the winter when there isn't as much concern...) but I digresss, so again, the info that those 'in the know' have provided is appreciated.

Most of England and Wales are now in orange (what NE state as 'very high'), so it's going to take a few days of good decent rain before this risk disappears, let's hope it does in time for the summer season.

 

I'm certainly not posting on behalf of the MNLPS, but as a member I am concerned as to any loss of income in the first full year back on the main line after a major and expensive overhaul. I presume that as long as 35028 can run, even with a diesel behind it, there will still be a decent flow of income. But, looking at the forecast for the next few weeks, a NR 'Black' fire risk level, ie no main line steam at all, may not be far away. All I can hope is that the forecast heavy showers for Monday move a little bit further east and are prolonged showers at times. Giving some respite, even if only for a week or so.

And of course Clan Line won't be the only main line steam loco in this position. Other steam loco owners will either be recovering from major overhauls, or racing the calendar with building up funds for the next major work.

As for heritage lines. I see that as a different situation as some preventive measures can (may already) be considered/done. Like volunteers cutting back vegetation more extensively; locos being able to pause to use water to extingush fires that do start. And maybe even a diesel hauled after hours train to check all is ok - with a cost of course. Physically I'm not now in a position to help with heavy lineside clearance; but I will review my charity giving (child poverty in the country where I live must come first) if it looks like we are in for a very hot and dry summer.

Bryan - a test cricket series usually does the trick for getting heavy rain - B

 

Of course, the exceptionally dry conditions so far this year (apart from January) do not necessarily mean the same for summer - many such springs have been followed by very wet summers. At present though, I can't recall a drier late winter and spring.

 

1956 being a classic example, thinking of the Ashes series, Laker's match etc. But it can happen-- 1976 was a pretty dry spring followed by the drought summer.

 

At the ‘risk’ of this being in the wrong place, I’m hearing reports of lineside fire(s) between Crewe and Chester today ?

 

I did wonder why the return was timed for 95mph, presumably 70000 has been returned to Crewe.

Regards,

Dan

 

I think that was always the plan.

 

If they were caused by the Brit I can only hope that the band of heavy showers, whose forecast progress on Monday keeps looking to change, dampens down thoughts by NR to move to the next level up of fire risk.

Bryan

 

Yes only steam Acton Lane to Chester.

 

Whats the position with preserved railways at the moment?