AS THE weather warms up and we head into summer, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) is reminding residents to take care when spending time outdoors.
Whether people are planning a barbecue, camping trip or countryside hike, there are small steps they can take to prevent a fire from breaking out.
Gail Muirhead, prevention manager at RBFRS said: “It’s great to spend time outside in the summer.
“But as temperatures continue to rise, the risk of outdoor fires becomes substantially higher, and we all need to help prevent wildfires.
“If you’re going out into the countryside, please 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.
“And if you’re camping, keep your barbecue away from your tent.
“Not only is there a risk of fire, but the silent killer carbon monoxide can fill up your tent if smoke drifts in.”
Summer is a busy time for fire and rescue services.
July and August 2022 was one of the most severe periods for wildfires in the UK due to extremely hot and dry weather.
The Service responded to 258 fires in the open in Berkshire and on its busiest day Thames Valley Fire Control Service took more than 1000 emergency calls.
There have already been dozens of fires in the open in Berkshire this year.
By following safety advice, people can help prevent fires and reduce unnecessary strain on the fire and rescue service.
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Barbecues should never be taken indoors, but should be positioned outside, on level ground, away from any structures or bushes.
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Once lit they should never be left unattended, and a bucket of water or sand should be kept nearby in case of emergency.
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People should avoid lighting open fires or using disposable barbecues the countryside, where wildfires can often grow unexpectedly and spread rapidly.
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Campers shouldn’t smoke or use lit barbecues or candles inside their tent, which should be at least six metres from parked vehicles and other tents if possible, as fire can quickly spread through tent materials and other flammable items, potentially engulfing nearby vehicles and other tents.
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Anyone discovering a wildfire should not attempt to extinguish it, but should instead get to a safe place immediately and call 999, giving as accurate a description of where they are as possible.
For more advice on how to stay safe in the countryside, people should visit: rbfrs.co.uk/yoursafety
