WITH THE hot weather set to continue, Hereford and Worcester Fire Rescue (HWFR) are warning people of the dangers of countryside fires, and how to prevent them.
HWFR crews were called to several across the county in the past week.
A lack of rain and the land drying out has led to some outdoor fires getting out of control.
The temperature was around 30°C across the county and is set to reach 31°C tomorrow (Friday).
Countryside fires can get out of hand very quickly, cause extensive damage and put lives at risk.
They can also last for several days once a fire takes hold using up valuable fire and rescue service resources which could be needed elsewhere.
Tips to help to prevent countryside fires:
- Avoid using open fires in the countryside.
- Do not leave bottles or glass in woodlands.
- Keep young children and ball games away from barbecues.
- Extinguish cigarettes and other smoking materials properly.
- Only use barbecues in suitable and safe areas and never leave them unattended.
- Never throw cigarette ends out of car windows – they can ruin whole fields of crops.
- Ensure that your barbecue is fully extinguished and cold before disposing of the contents.
- Sunlight shining through glass can start large fires – take glass bottles/jars home or put them in a waste or recycling bin.
A Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue spokesperson said: “We urge people to refrain from using disposable barbecues and safely put out cigarette ends to avoid inadvertently starting a fire.”
The service also discourages outdoor fires in rural areas.
Anyone using incinerators, log burners and bonfires should keep them away from fences, foliage, buildings and bushes and always keep buckets of water nearby.
