Fire and summer safety advice
Date published:
Wildfires
Deliberate fire-setting in the countryside or making hoax calls can have very serious consequences.
Often the dry conditions lead to an increase in the number of gorse fires.
Everyone is asked to be alert for anyone starting fires deliberately. Any suspicious behaviour should be reported to the police immediately.
Wildfires can also be caused accidentally, so:
- do not throw a cigarette ends on the ground or out of a car window
- avoid using open fires in the countryside
- do not leave a glass bottle or glass in woodland or grassland
- only use a barbecue in a suitable and safe area
- never leave a barbecue unattended and put it out properly
Be careful and dispose of any litter appropriately.
If you see a fire in the countryside, phone the Fire and Rescue Service on 999.
Do not try to tackle fires that can’t be extinguished with a bucket of water – leave the area as quickly as possible.
Avoid holiday complacency
If you’re on holiday, it’s important not to become complacent about your fire safety or indeed general safety.
Whether camping, caravanning, boating or enjoying the countryside, you need to think about your fire safety and the safety of your family.
Make sure you, and the people you are with:
- have taken all the necessary steps to make sure that fire doesn’t become your uninvited guest on your holiday
- know what to do in an emergency
Camping safety
If camping, follow this safety advice:
- tents should ideally be pitched at least six metres apart from other tents
- keep a torch handy - never light a candle or have any kind of flame-burning apparatus in or near to a tent
- keep lighters and matches out of the reach of children
- always cook outside and well away from your tent – make sure cooking appliances are stable and cannot be knocked over easily
- don’t cook near flammable materials or long grass
- store flammable liquids or gas cylinders away from the tent
- never smoke inside a tent
- a fire can destroy a tent in 60 seconds - it's essential you have an escape plan and be prepared to cut your way out of the tent if there is fire
- make sure everyone knows what to do if their clothes catch fire – stop, drop to the floor and roll to put out the flames
- know the fire safety arrangements for the campsite
Caravan and mobile home safety
Many of the same rules about fire safety in the home also apply to caravans and mobile homes.
- park caravans and mobile homes at least six metres apart
- make a fire escape plan
- if there’s a fire – get out, stay out and call the Fire and Rescue Service immediately
- fit a smoke alarm and test it once a week
- you should consider getting a fire extinguisher and a fire blanket - know how to use them properly
- do not dry clothes on or right next to a heater
- make sure heaters are working properly – use a Gas Safe engineer to fix gas heaters
- turn gas off when not in use
- fit a carbon monoxide detector and keep air vents clear
- don’t overload sockets
- smoking inside can be dangerous so smoke outside
- keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children
- never leave cooking unattended
- take extra care when cooking with hot fats and oils
- never put water on burning oil or fat
- when not in use, fuel should be stored ideally six metres away from your caravan or mobile home and away from heat
You can find out more about fire safety and prevention at this link:
Having a barbecue
When having a barbecue:
- drinking alcohol increases the risk of accidents
- the barbecue site should be flat and placed away from fences, trees, shrubs and sheds
- keep a bucket of water or garden hose nearby in case of emergencies
- never use petrol or paraffin to start or revive your barbecue – use firelighters or starter fuel on cold coals
- keep children, pets and garden games away from the cooking area
- never leave a barbecue unattended
- concentrate on what you're doing - it’s easy to get distracted
- after cooking, make sure the barbecue is cool before moving it
- even when you have finished cooking the barbecue should stay outside, as it will still give off fumes for some time after use
- make sure ashes are cold before disposal
If you have a gas barbecue:
- make sure your barbecue is in good working order
- make sure the gas tap is turned off before changing the cylinder and always disconnect the cylinder in open air
- when you have finished cooking, turn off the gas cylinder before you turn off the barbecue controls – this makes sure any gas in the pipework will be exhausted
You should also never bring a barbecue into a caravan or tent.
Be safe around water
If you happen to be around water, act responsibly and take all the basic safety precautions.
Be aware that swimming in a river, lake, or the ocean is different from swimming in a pool. You need more energy to handle the currents and other changing conditions, and there may be hidden dangers.
Pay attention to any warning signs or safety flags posted in the area - they are put there for a reason.
Never swim in a disused quarry – it may look inviting, but the water is very cold and often filled with hidden obstacles.
Swimming at the beach
- go to a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags
- be aware of which flag is flying, as this will warn you of any dangers:
- a red flag means it is dangerous to bathe or swim so don’t go into the water
- a quartered black and white flag means that the area is for use of surfboards and kayaks and is not safe for swimmers
- go with others and look out for each other
- children should always go to the beach with an adult
- swimming in open water is very different to in a pool – check the conditions and know the limit of your ability
- cold water can affect you physically and you can get ‘cold water shock’
- be aware there may be hidden depths, debris and currents
- while you’re in the water make sure you have someone watching you and that they have a way to call for help
- wear a flotation device
If you see someone in difficulty in the water:
- call for help - preferably a lifeguard if there is one nearby or phone 999
- tell them to float on their back
- throw them something that floats
You can find out more about water safety at these links:
- Risks of playing in and around water
- Keeping safe on waterways and at the coast
- Seasonal safety – water safety
Boat safety
Reduce the risk from fire by following these tips:
- fit a smoke alarm and test it each time you board
- fit a carbon monoxide detector
- think about getting a fire blanket for the kitchen area
- make a fire action plan and make sure everyone on board is aware of what to do if there is a fire
- make sure furnishings, foam and insulation are fire retardant
- fit a fire extinguisher in the engine compartment and the cockpit locker
- contain and vent battery boxes
If a fire happens on the marina:
- if safe to do so, isolate gas and fuel supplies
- evacuate the craft and make sure all the crew are wearing lifejackets
- call the Fire and Rescue Service on 999
- stay out
- warn neighbouring craft
If a fire happens at sea:
- only tackle a fire if it is safe to do so
- contact the coastguard or Fire and Rescue Service
- identify position or give landmarks
- make sure all crew are wearing lifejackets
- prepare emergency grab bag (flares, VHF radio, compass) and life raft
- if safe to do so, isolate gas and fuel supplies
- do not open the engine panel
- only as a last resort abandon ship
Don’t let your summer be ruined by fire or tragedy.