Fire and summer safety advice

Date published: 03 July 2026

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. 

Be alert for anyone starting fires deliberately. Any suspicious behaviour should be reported to the police immediately.

Wildfires can also be caused accidentally, so:

• put out all smoking materials properly
• do not throw a cigarette ends or matches on the ground or out of a car window
• avoid lighting open fires in the countryside
• do not leave a glass bottle or glass in woodland or grassland
• keep children away from lighters, matches and open fires
• 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, don't 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.

If travelling abroad, when you arrive at your hotel or accommodation you should plan how you and those you are with would evacuate if you discover a fire or there is a fire alarm. 

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 anything with a naked flame 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
• 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
• make sure you have a working smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarm and test them regularly
• consider getting a fire extinguisher and a fire blanket - know how to use them properly
• do not dry clothes on or near a heater
• make sure appliances are working properly and are serviced regularly by a qualified engineer
• turn gas off when not in use
• don’t overload sockets
• smoking inside can be a fire risk so smoke outside
• keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children
• never leave cooking unattended
• be aware of the caravan site's fire safety arrangements, including advice on storing gas cylinders

You can find out more about fire safety and prevention at this link:

• Fire safety and prevention

Having a barbecue

When having a barbecue:

• 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
• never use a barbecue indoors
• 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
• for portable barbecues, make sure the area under it is cooled after use - this area stores a lot of heat which can cause severe burns
• make sure ashes are cool before disposal
• drinking alcohol increases the risk of accidents

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.

• Carbon monoxide dangers if camping, caravanning or boating

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.

• Risks of playing in and around water

Never swim in a disused quarry – it may look inviting, but the water is very cold and often filled with hidden obstacles.

• Staying safe around quarries

Swimming at the beach

• go to a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags
• 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:

• Keeping safe on waterways and at the coast
• Seasonal safety – water safety

Boat safety

Reduce the risk from fire by following these tips:

• fit smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and test them regularly
• fit an appropriate fire extinguisher in the engine compartment and the cockpit locker
• make sure gas appliances are installed and serviced regularly by a qualified engineer
• know how to isolate gas and fuel supplies
• take extra care with candles, smoking materials and when cooking
• think about getting a fire blanket for the kitchen area
• take care when refuelling and clean up any spillage immediately
• make a fire action plan and make sure everyone on board is aware of what to do if there is a fire
• know where extinguishers, fire blankets, and so on are kept and how to use them
• make sure furnishings, foam and insulation are fire retardant
• make sure batteries are secure and battery boxes are vented

If a fire happens:

• raise the alarm with emergency services and neighbouring craft
• if safe to do so, isolate gas and fuel supplies
• use an emergency grab bag
• do not open the engine panel
• only tackle a fire if it is safe to do so
• evacuate the boat to a place of safety such as a marina or neighbouring boat
• only abandon ship as a last resort, makin sure all the crew are wearing lifejackets

Don’t let your summer be ruined by fire or tragedy.

More useful links

• Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service