Help prevent fires during the heatwave
With temperatures rising and fire incidents increasing across the region, it’s more important than ever to take extra care at home and in outdoor spaces.
Dry grass, plants and garden waste can ignite quickly, and even a small spark can lead to a serious fire. By taking a few simple precautions, you can help protect your home, your neighbours and your community.
Avoid using BBQ’s
During hot and dry weather, it’s best to avoid garden fires, fire pits and disposable BBQs. Embers can travel further than you think and can easily ignite dry grass, leaves, fencing or nearby vegetation.
Ensure you’re using barbeques safely:
- Don’t use them in extreme hot weather.
- Keep barbeque’s away from fences, trees and sheds.
- Don’t leave a barbeque unattended while it is lit or still hot.
- Keep children away from barbeques.
- Have a bucket of water or a hosepipe nearby in case of an emergency.
- Never take barbecues onto balconies or use them in enclosed spaces.
- Always place barbecues on flat surfaces that aren’t flammable.
- Make sure your barbecue cools down properly before disposing it.
Dispose of waste safely
Hot weather can spread fires more quickly, especially where waste and dry materials are left outdoors.
- Keep gardens, balconies and communal areas free from rubbish.
- Remove dry garden waste, such as leaves and cuttings.
- Don’t have garden fires or burn rubbish.
It only takes a small spark to start a fire in hot, dry conditions. By following advice from your local fire service and taking a few simple precautions, we can all help keep our homes and communities safe this summer.
To read more about heatwave safety and preventing fires, view West Midlands Fire Service’s article on keeping safe during the extreme weather.
