A HIGH risk of wildfires following months of hot, dry weather has Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) asking residents to help prevent fires in the open.
The Service has already responded to more than 250 fires in the open this year, several of which have met the National Fire Chiefs Council’s (NFCC) wildfire criteria.
“We’ve seen more large-scale outdoor fires – incidents involving more than four fire engines – this summer than in the previous five years,” said Alex Holbrook, station manager, Community Risk Management Planning, at RBFRS.
“Outdoor fires in fields, forests or scrublands are extremely demanding on our resources, sometimes pulling in crews for days at a time.
“While we have the specialist equipment and staff to respond to these sorts of fires, preventing them altogether allows us to more effectively respond to incidents elsewhere.”
Whether residents are looking to spend the summer in the countryside, camping, or in the garden, RBFRS is asking everyonel to take extra care to protect the countryside.
Gail Muirhead, prevention manager at RBFRS, said: “When conditions are hot and dry, just a small spark is enough to start a large fire outdoors.
“That’s why, with conditions as they are, we’re asking people not to have bonfires at the moment.
“We’ve already seen several incidents where bonfires have been out of control and spread to surrounding fields, gardens and even homes.
“If you are having a barbecue, remember to keep them on stable ground and away from properties, sheds, fences, trees and shrubs, and to never leave them unattended.
“Keep a bucket of sand, water or a hose nearby in case of an emergency and, if a fire does start, get to safety and call 999.”
With the risk of fire in the county remaining ‘very high’ to keep Berkshire safe, residents spending time outdoors are asked:
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Always to extinguish cigarettes and other smoking materials properly – never to throw lit cigarette ends out of car windows.
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Never to leave bottles or glass lying around – sunlight shining through can start a fire.
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To avoid using disposable barbecues when conditions are extremely dry – a fire can start and spread rapidly due to the dry grass.
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Not to start a bonfire during prolonged periods of hot, dry weather. These can quickly get out of control and spread to surrounding fields and properties.
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Not to use gas or electric weed burners in the garden while conditions remain as they are.
In an Emergency, people should:
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Never attempt to tackle the fire themselves.
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In an emergency, evacuate the area, and call 999 immediately.
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When calling 999, describe the type of fire and give a landmark to help locate it.
For tips and information, visit: rbfrs.co.uk
