Policy makers, fire service personnel and forest managers discussed the latest wildfire fighting tactics at the second Wildfire 2005 conference.
The event, held at the Army Training Estates in Otterburn, was attended by more than 100 people and featured an internationally renowned group of 15 speakers covering wildfire prevention and management.
Lew Southard, of the US Forest Service, presented the US Smokey Bear campaign, one of the longest running and most successful advertising campaigns in history.
A wide range of firefighting equipment, including specialist backpacks and helicopter-mounted water buckets, were demonstrated on live fires during the event.
Conference organiser Northwoods, the north-east’s woodland initiative, said the event was also a springboard to encourage the creation of fire groups across the UK.
