Click here for a PDF of the Fire Safety Outdoors leaflet.

16 July 2009

With everyone hoping for a long, hot summer, Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has its fingers crossed that it will be a safe one too.

Firefighters are urging people not to drop their guard during the holiday period so that children and families can enjoy the weather without falling foul of seasonal risks.

Community safety manager Terry Ridgley said: “Summer holidays mean a change in routine for many people and should be a time to relax.

“But with the children not at school and lots of summer activities going on, it’s easy to become distracted and not to have your usual level of alertness to risks.

“Make sure you should go armed with some safety advice before heading for the great outdoors.

“Every year, fire destroys thousands of acres of countryside and wildlife habitats. Some fires are started deliberately, but many are due to carelessness.   

“Most of our advice is common sense. From time to time we all need reminders, so enjoy the holiday and make sure you and your family are safe.”

Terry offered the following safety tips for the holiday season:

The Countryside Code

Make sure you follow the Countryside Code, which contains advice for the public and landowners. It has information about rights, responsibilities and liabilities and how we all have a duty to protect the countryside. To find out more, visit www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk

Grass and forest fires

These fires can spread very quickly and can be devastating to wildlife and habitats

• 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. 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 999 for the fire and rescue service.
  
  
• Do not return unless the fire and rescue service tells you that it is safe to do so.

Water safety

• If you’re tempted to take a dip in rivers, lakes or canals, please think again. People are easily caught out by hidden dangers like deep holes, soft mud, weeds or rubbish.
  
  
• Strong currents or cold water can quickly overwhelm you and pollution or algae can make you ill. You are much better off going to your local swimming pool.
  
  
• Parents have a special responsibility to warn children of the risks and know where they are when they are out playing.
  
  
• Never let children take dinghies, airbeds, tubes or other inflatables on to water. Set them a good example - act responsibly near water, and never swim, even where allowed, after drinking alcohol.
  
  
• At home, keep small children away from ponds and swimming pools and make sure they are supervised in the bath.

Tents and caravans

Camping is a pastime enjoyed by many, but can be hazardous with people cooking outdoors. Fires in tents and caravans can spread very quickly. 

• Allow a gap of at least six metres between tents and caravans and ensure they are away from parked cars to reduce the risk of fire spreading.
  
  
• Don’t smoke inside tents, and 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.
  
  
• Fit and test a smoke alarm in your caravan – optical alarms are usually most effective.
  
  
• 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

Outdoor 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 while burning.
  
  
• Don't leave fires unattended, and 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 us to locate you.