The Countryside
Fires in the countryside are responsible for the destruction of thousands of acres of countryside, open spaces and wildlife habitat. Many of these fires are started deliberately, but most are the result of carelessness and thoughtless actions.
A cigarette end thrown away from a car or train or perhaps a bottle left behind after a picnic could start a blaze which destroys acres of fields, woodland, crops or undergrowth and with them the habitat of local wildlife.
A few simple precautions and a little extra care could prevent most of these fires.
- Dispose of smoking materials properly and make sure that are completely extinguished.
- Don't leave camp fires or barbecues unattended and extinguish them properly after use.
- Clear away bottles, glasses and broken glass to avoid them magnifying the sun's rays and starting a fire.
- Never play in hay/straw stacks.
- Never use cigarettes, etc. or matches near hay/straw stacks.
- Parents should explain to their children the dangers of playing with and the lighting of fires.
- If fire breaks out call the fire brigade immediately. It can be hard to give a location for an open area so mention any landmarks, perhaps a church or pub or the nearest road name.
- Don't attempt to fight the fire yourself unless it is very small. Grass and crop fires can travel at tremendous speed and change direction quickly and without warning to cut you off.
- If you called the Fire and Rescue Service from a phone box which is in a safe location, stay nearby so you can direct the fire appliances to the scene.