With the weather warming up, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) is reminding residents to take extra care when enjoying the great outdoors and do their part to stop outdoor fires.
Graeme Hartley, Station Manager, said: “We understand that people will be making the most of the hot weather and having barbecues at home. Barbecues are a good way to spend time outdoors with friends and family.
“However, they do bring a fire risk, so we always encourage people to take some small, practical steps to prevent their barbecues from getting out of hand.”
After spells of warm, dry weather, barbecues can quickly turn up the heat and get out of hand. Between Monday, 1 April 2024 and Tuesday, 31 March 2026, we responded to approximately 75 fires caused by barbecues in Berkshire.
Graeme continued: “Before you get started, make sure your barbecue is positioned on level ground away from sheds, fences and trees that could catch fire. Don’t leave your barbecue unattended and keep a bucket of water or sand to hand in case of an emergency.
“A fire can still start even after you’ve finished cooking. Make sure you let your barbecue cool down before disposing of any coals. Hot coals will start a fire in your bin. Have fun this summer, but please do so safely.”
If you are a land owner or own an agricultural business, read our recently published Thames Valley Farmland Safety and Fire Prevention booklet for practical tips on how to reduce the risk of agricultural fires and safeguard your business.
We also have practical advice for anyone looking to spend the summer out and about, be that camping, down by the water, or in the countryside:
Out and About:
- Always extinguish cigarettes and other smoking materials properly – never throw lit cigarette ends out of car windows as they can destroy whole fields of crops.
- Avoid having open fires in the countryside. Only use barbecues in safe, designated areas and never leave them unattended.
- Never leave bottles or glass lying around – sunlight shining through can start a fire.
Camping and Caravans:
- Set up tents at least six metres apart and away from parked cars.
- Make sure you know what the fire arrangements on the camp site are and where the nearest telephone is.
- Place your cooking area well away from the tent and keep the area clear of items that catch fire easily – such as long, dry grass.
- Keep matches, lighters, flammable liquids and gas cylinders out of the reach of children.
- Do not use candles in or near a tent – use a torch instead.
- Do not smoke inside a tent.
- Never smoke whilst changing your gas cylinder.
- Have an escape plan and be prepared to cut your way out of your tent if there is a fire.
- Make sure the tap is turned off before changing the gas cylinder.
Weed Burners:
- We recommend that you do not use gas or electric weed burners in your garden during conditions when the ground and foliage is dry, as this can cause fire to ignite and spread quickly – use alternative weed control methods, such as chemical weed killers or manual weeding, instead.
- Always ensure the gas is fully off and the burner is completely cool before storing, as any remaining heat could easily ignite items in close proximity.
- If you are using a weed burner, try to restrict it to weeds only.
- Keep a garden hose or other water supply on hand to dampen the affected area.
Agricultural Fires:
- Store hay and straw in separate buildings and at least 10 metres apart.
- Store petrol, diesel and other fuels in a secure area.
- Make sure that refuse is disposed of safely and on a regular basis.
- Do not leave fertilisers, pesticides or storage tank outlets unlocked.
What To Do in an Emergency:
- Never attempt to tackle the fire yourself.
- In an emergency evacuate the area, call 999 immediately.
- When calling 999, describe the type of fire and give a landmark to help locate the fire.
Read more tips to help you stay safe during the warmer weather on our website.