As the weather warms up and we head into summer, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service is reminding residents to take care when spending time outdoors. Whether you plan to have a barbecue, go camping or just enjoy a hike through the countryside, there are small steps you can take to prevent a fire from breaking out.
Gail Muirhead, Prevention Manager at RBFRS says: “It’s great to get outdoors and spend time outside in the summer. However, as temperatures continue to rise, the risk of outdoor fires occurring becomes substantially higher and we all need to do our part to prevent wildfires.
“If you’re going out into the countryside, take your litter home with you or bin it. Glass bottles, hot barbecue coals and cigarette butts are just three different types of rubbish that often start fires in the open.
“If you’re camping, keep your barbecue away from your tent. Not only is there a risk of fire, but also a silent killer, carbon monoxide, that can fill up your tent if smoke drifts in.”
Summer is a busy time for fire and rescue services. For instance, in July and August of 2022 – which was one of the most severe periods for wildfires in the UK due to the extremely hot and dry climate – the Service responded to 258 fires in the open in Berkshire and, on the busiest day, Thames Valley Fire Control Service took over 1000 emergency calls.
There have already been dozens of fires in the open in Berkshire this year and, by following the Service’s safety advice, people can do their part to prevent fire and reduce unnecessary strain on their fire and rescue service
If you plan to have a barbecue, make sure it is positioned on level ground away from any structures or bushes. Never take a barbecue indoors.
Never leave a lit barbecue unattended and always keep a bucket of water or sand nearby in case of an emergency.
If you’re heading out into the wilderness, avoid lighting open fires or using disposable barbecues in the countryside. Wildfires can often grow unexpectedly and spread rapidly.
If you are camping, do not smoke or use lit barbecues or candles inside your tent. Also, you should set up your tent at least six metres away from parked vehicles if possible.
If you encounter a wildfire, do not attempt to extinguish it. Get to a safe place immediately and call 999. Make sure you give as an accurate a description of where you are as possible.
For more advice on how to stay safe in the countryside, visit rbfrs.co.uk/yoursafety.