Hazard Knowledge

Physical damage to the environment may affect ecological and heritage assets; this includes a broad range of buildings, structures and natural sites. Sensitive sites may struggle to recover, and their ecosystems can suffer long-term or permanent damage. Further information about heritage assets can be found at websites such as:

• Historic England
• Historic Environment Scotland
• Historic Wales
• Historic buildings and monuments (Northern Ireland)
• UNESCO World Heritage

Important ecological and heritage assets may have designations such as:

• Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
• Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) (Northern Ireland)
• Special Areas of Conservation (SAC)
• Special Protection Areas (SPA)
• Scheduled Ancient Monuments (as defined in the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act)
• Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (England, Wales, Northern Ireland)
• National Scenic Areas (Scotland)
• Ramsar sites

Sites will have a range of risks across geographical areas. Some may be assessed to be safe for the deployment and movement of fire and rescue service resources, while others will be more susceptible to physical environmental damage. These sites can be affected by:

• Direct impacts, for example the movement and deployment of fire and rescue service resources, including vehicles, equipment and personnel
• Indirect impacts, for example by the release of polluting materials