Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service asks the Public to remain vigilant during the hot weather.
The recent fire at Grinshill provides an example of just how severe such fires can become in a short space of time. The pictures taken at the scene were shocking and looked more like an Australian or Californian fire than an incident in Shropshire.
The weather is extremely hot and the ground has dried out this significantly increases the risk of fires. You should avoid bonfires and be extremely careful with barbecues and discarded cigarettes.
Reducing the chance of starting a wildfire
Follow these tips to reduce the chance of a wildfire in the countryside:
- be careful not to drop matches or cigarettes in the countryside at any time of the year; dispose of cigarettes and matches carefully and responsibly
- never throw cigarette ends out of the car window
- take your litter home
- avoid using open fires in the countryside
- don’t leave bottles or glass in the countryside – sunlight shining through glass can start fires
- only use barbecues in a suitable and safe area and never leave them unattended
- take great care when disposing of barbecue ashes and always have a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergencies
- don’t barbecue, smoke or use any naked flames near areas of gorse or heathland
- avoid disposing of garden rubbish by bonfire
What should I do if I see a wildfire?
If you see a fire in the countryside, you should:
- call the Fire and Rescue Service immediately
- don’t try to tackle a fire that can’t be put out with a bucket of water – leave the area as quickly as possible
12th July, 2013
