'Fire Safety Outdoors' leaflet - click here for a PDF.

21 July 2008

Have a good time if you’re heading for the great outdoors with your caravan, tent or rucksack this summer – but don’t forget to stay safe, says Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service.

Community safety manager Terry Ridgley said: “We all like to relax when we're on holiday or out enjoying the countryside, but we shouldn’t drop our guard against the risk of fire.

"A few simple safety tips, most of which are just a matter of common sense, will help you get the most from your leisure time."

Terry offered the following pieces of advice:

Tents

• Allow at least six metres of space between tents and caravans and ensure they are away from parked cars to reduce the risk of fire spreading.
  
  
• 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 catch fire 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.
  
  
• Don’t smoke inside tents.

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 or 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 poisonous gases.

Open fires

If you must have an open fire:

• It should be downwind, at least 10 metres from the tent.
  
  
• Clear dry vegetation and leaves to form a circle of earth around the fire.
  
  
• Build a stack that will collapse inwards whilst burning.
  
  
• Don't leave fires unattended.
  
  
• Make sure that fires are fully extinguished after use.

If a fire should break out:

• Call the fire and rescue service and give the exact location.
  
  
• If necessary give a map reference.
  
  
• If this is not possible, a landmark such as a farm or pub will help the fire and rescue service to locate you.

Grass and forest fires

• Never throw cigarette ends out of car window – they could start a fire and ruin surrounding countryside.
  
  
• Don’t leave bottles or glass in woodlands as sunlight shining through glass can start a fire. Take them home or put them in a waste or recycling bin.

If you discover a fire:

• Don't be tempted to investigate.
  
  
• Leave the area as quickly as possible and ring for the fire and rescue service.
  
  
• Don't return unless the fire and rescue service tells you that it is safe to do so.