Fire and Rescue Services issue warning about dangers of grass fires during heatwave - The Redditch Standard

Fire and Rescue Services issue warning about dangers of grass fires during heatwave

Redditch Editorial 24th Jul, 2018   0

Fire and Rescue Services have issued a warning about the dangers of grass fires as the heatwave continues.

It comes after an open fire destroyed 80 square metres of grassland in Redditch on Monday – you can read about that story, here.

Meanwhile neighbouring Arson Reduction Officer, Rebecca Roberts, said: “We have seen a sharp increase in the number of open fires in recent weeks, with a further 25 last weekend.

“With the extreme heat, the grass and woodland areas across the country are very dry which means fires spread quickly.”




Some of the fires have been accidental but others have been started on purpose.

“Shockingly we have received reports of adults deliberately starting fires which surprises me after the wide media coverage of the moorland fires.


“You are not only endangering yourself but you are also risking the lives of our crews and the communities we serve.”

Some of the advice given to the public includes to never leave garden fires or barbecues unattended and to extinguish them completely after use.

Also to not discard cigarettes out of car windows or near fields in case they are still lit.

Bottles and glass should be taken away from children outside to avoid the glass igniting a fire by catching the sun’s ray.

If you spot a hazard, contact 999 immediately.

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