As part of the Fire Kills campaign, Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) is asking the people of Herefordshire and Worcestershire to stay safe this summer as they make the most of the weather and enjoy the great outdoors, whether camping, cooking or exploring.
This is particularly topical at present with several fires in the open over the weekend, caused by the strong breeze we’ve been experiencing as well as other factors.
“A long hot summer is what we all hope for,” said Emma Roberts, HWFRS Head of Prevention.
“However, like many changes in activity, it can bring risks. If you’re intending to take out your tent, pack your rucksack or get your caravan back on the road, you should go armed with some safety advice before heading for the great outdoors.”
In Herefordshire and Worcestershire, between 1 Jan 2012 and 31 Dec 2021, the fire service was called out to 36 incidents involving tents and 144 involving caravans. There were over 9,700 incidents involving open fires or false alarms over the ten year period, causing 1 fatality and 30 injuries.
So, follow the Fire Kills campaign’s top tips to ensure that your great adventure is a safe and enjoyable one.
Whatever your hobby, here are a few Do’s and Don’ts to help you stay safe.
Tents
- allow at least 6m spacing between tents and caravans and ensure they are away from parked cars to reduce the risk of fire spreading
- don’t smoke inside tents
- never use candles in or near a tent – torches are safer
- keep cooking appliances away from the tent walls and never cook inside a small tent or near flammable materials or long grass; they can all set alight easily
- make sure you know how to escape by cutting your way out of the tent if there’s a fire
- make sure everyone knows how to put out clothing that’s on fire – stop, drop and roll
Caravans
- fit and test a smoke alarm in your caravan
- take special care when cooking – don’t leave pans unattended
- turn off all appliances before you go out or to bed
- make sure ashtrays are made of a material that can’t burn and position them securely so they can’t topple over – never smoke in bed
- don’t dry clothes over the stove
- remove any litter and rubbish near the caravan to reduce the risk of fire spreading
- make sure the caravan is ventilated, and never block air vents, to avoid a build-up of carbon monoxide
Open Fires
Try to avoid open fires, but if you do have one:
- it should be downwind, at least 10m from the tent
- clear some dry vegetation, such as leaves and twigs, and form a circle of earth around the fire
- build a stack that will collapse inwards while burning
- do not leave fires unattended
- make sure that fires are fully extinguished after use
If a fire does break out:
- call the Fire and Rescue Service and give the exact location
- if possible, give a map reference
- if this is not possible, then a landmark such as a farm or pub etc, will help them find you
Grass and forest fires spread rapidly:
- never throw cigarette ends out of a car window – they’re illegal litter and could start a fire and ruin surrounding countryside
- don’t leave bottles or glass in woodlands. Sunlight shining through glass can spark a fire. Take them home or put them in a waste or recycling bin
If you discover a fire:
- do not be tempted to investigate
- leave the area as quickly as possible and call 999 and ask for the fire and rescue service
- do not return unless the fire and rescue service tells you that it is safe to do so
Emma added:
“It may all sound a bit daunting, but it needn’t be as most of this advice is just common sense. From time to time we all need reminders; so, enjoy the countryside and your recreation and be safe.”
For more information on fire safety, please visit www.gov.uk/firekills
Further safety advice can be found at www.hwfire.org.uk or by calling the Prevention Team on 0800 032 1155.