Posted: Tuesday 3 July 2018, 15:38
Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service is appealing to members of the public to take extra care as the prolonged period of hot, dry weather continues and the Service witnesses an increase in calls to fires in the open. Since Tuesday 26 June, Derbyshire Firefighters have mobilised to 71 fires in the open, compared to the average number of fires in the open attended in the same period in June 2017 which was 19.
Area Manager, Bob Curry said, “We’re asking members of the public to be vigilant and to help us by taking steps to minimise the number of grass fires we are attending. The ground and vegetation is tinder dry and anything that can cause a spark can soon escalate to a fire on a large scale.
“Discarded cigarettes, outdoor barbecues and discarded glass bottles can all pose a serious threat when conditions are so dry. I’d also like to appeal to people to delay having any garden fires at the present time, as they too have the potential to spread rapidly, as tinder dry grass and overhanging trees can soon cause the fire to spread to fences, sheds and even homes.”
Mr Curry went onto to issue a further warning about the dangers of swimming and jumping into open water: “We’ve been issuing warnings about the dangers of swimming and jumping into open water such as rivers, lakes and reservoirs, something that may seem enticing during the hot weather, but can have catastrophic consequence. Sadly this week we have seen the evidence of this as a 25 year old male lost his life after swimming in the River Derwent.”
Have a safe summer, follow our top tips:
Garden Fire/Controlled Burns
AVOID having a garden fire during the current dry spell.
Fires can spread rapidly over tinder dry grass, to overhanging trees and shrubs and spread to fencing, shed and even the home.
Barbecue Safety
- Keep the barbecue away from overhanging trees/shrubs and away from sheds, garages, the home and any pet enclosures.
- Never use petrol or accelerants to light the barbecue.
- If using a disposable barbecue, place it on a hard, fire proof surface – never on dry grass.
- Place hot coals onto bare earth to cool down and never put them into a wheelie bin, or other bin that could catch fire. Consider the safe disposal of one-use barbecues.
- Keep a bucket of water, or hose pipe on hand in case of an emergency.
Fire Safety in the Open
Derbyshire has some beautiful countryside which supports a thriving ecosystem of plants and animals. In order to protect this from the devastation of fire, we ask that people are mindful of the following advice:
- Don’t throw/discard cigarettes out of car windows. Dispose of them properly.
- Don’t leave glass bottles lying around – the sun can magnify through the glass causing a fire.
- If having a BBQ in the open, make sure you place it on bare earth, away from dry grass, and never leave the BBQ until it is completely out.
Water Safety
Water may look safe, but it can be dangerous. Learn to spot and keep away from dangers. You may swim well in a warm indoor pool, but that does not mean that you will be able to swim in cold water. The dangers of water include:
- Very cold temperatures
- Hidden Currents
- Fast flowing water, beware of locks and weirs
- Deep water, it can be difficult to estimate the depth
- There may be hidden rubbish or debris under the surface that can trap, snag or cut
- It can be difficult to get out, banks can be steep, slimy and crumble away
- No lifeguards, most outdoors waterways do not have lifeguards
- Water pollution may make you ill
DFRS have recently produced a video titled ‘Shock’, which highlights the dangers of suffering cold water shock in open water.
In the case of an emergency, call 999 immediately.
For more information about keeping safe outdoors, visit www.derbys-fire.gov.uk.
To stay up to date with everything the Service is up to and for up to date safety tips, follow us on social media:
Twitter: @DerbyshireFRS
Facebook: @DerbyshireFRS
Instagram: @derbyshirefrs
DFRS Area Manager Bob Curry’s Twitter: @bob_rcurry