Report finds firefighters in Essex dealt with record number of outdoor fires

07 Aug Report finds firefighters in Essex dealt with record number of outdoor fires

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is issuing important outdoor fire safety advice after prolonged dry, hot weather conditions have lead to an increase in outdoor fires.

Last month (July) firefighters in Essex dealt with 632 outdoor fires. This is an increase of more than 100% compared to just 300 incidents in July 2017.

Head of Community Safety Lee Lucas said: “We have been experiencing scorching temperatures and dry conditions for over a month now and the forecasts looks like it will continue. Even though we had a some rain last weekend, our countryside is still very dry and there is still a high risk of fires.

“We want everyone to have fun and enjoy the weather by going outside, but it is important to stay fire aware when out and about to ensure we can minimalise the fire risk.”

Outdoor fire safety advice to avoid fires:

• Extinguish cigarettes properly, don’t throw cigarette ends on the ground or out of car windows.

• Take your rubbish with you, especially glass bottles, which can magnify the sun’s rays and start a fire

• Do not have bonfires during hot and dry weather conditions

• If you see a fire in the countryside, report it immediately

• Don’t attempt to tackle fires that can’t be put out with a bucket of water – leave the area as soon as possible

• Ensure bbq’s are fully extinguished before leaving them unattended or throwing away disposable ones.