Fire service warning not to start open fires across Worcestershire amidst a tinder dry bank holiday weekend

AS WE enter another bank holiday weekend and the weather forecast predicting continuing dry weather, people across Worcestershire are being urged not to start fires in the countryside.

There is no rain forecast in the county until at least Wednesday and Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue has been dealing with more fires in the open than usual throughout this summer which has so far had four heatwaves.

As well as having the potential to destroy acres of countryside, open spaces and endanger wildlife, open fires can last for several days and – once taken hold – can use up valuable fire and rescue resources which could be needed elsewhere.

So Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service has issued advice to people to stay safe this weekend.

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.
• Please take care when in the countryside and alert the Service to fires as early as possible via 999 calls.
• An early call could mean the difference between a small, easily controllable fire and a widespread, devastating fire.

Click here fort more information can be found here Fire Safety Outdoors

 

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If a fire breaks out

If a fire breaks out, call the fire and rescue service immediately.

It can be hard to give the location for an open area so mention any landmarks, such as a public house or a church in the vicinity.

Do not attempt to put the fire out yourself unless it is very small. Grass and crop fire can travel very quickly and change direction without warning.