Here is Fire Service guidance regarding fire safety, driving and outdoor swimming during hot weather.
We are urging people to enjoy the sunshine safely and take extra care around open water, in the countryside and at home during the hot weather.
Extreme heat increases wildfire risk
The current hot, dry conditions are significantly increasing the risk of wildfires across our region. Wildfires can spread rapidly, change direction without warning and threaten people, homes, livestock and wildlife. Most wildfires are caused by human activity rather than natural causes, making them largely preventable. To help reduce the risk, we are asking people to:
The current hot, dry conditions are significantly increasing the risk of wildfires across our region. Wildfires can spread rapidly, change direction without warning and threaten people, homes, livestock and wildlife. Most wildfires are caused by human activity rather than natural causes, making them largely preventable. To help reduce the risk, we are asking people to:
- take litter home
- never discard cigarettes on the ground or from vehicle windows
- avoid campfires and barbecues in the countryside
- avoid lighting bonfires
- not leave glass bottles or broken glass in grassy or wooded areas.
Barbecue safety
As many people enjoy the warm weather outdoors, we are also reminding people to use barbecues responsibly. Disposable barbecues and open flames can easily ignite dry grass and vegetation, particularly during periods of prolonged hot weather. Barbecues should only be used where permitted and never on moorland, heathland, grassland or in woodland. If you are using a barbecue at home:
As many people enjoy the warm weather outdoors, we are also reminding people to use barbecues responsibly. Disposable barbecues and open flames can easily ignite dry grass and vegetation, particularly during periods of prolonged hot weather. Barbecues should only be used where permitted and never on moorland, heathland, grassland or in woodland. If you are using a barbecue at home:
- keep it well away from fences, sheds, trees and dry vegetation
- never leave it unattended. Distraction is the leading cause of fires in the garden
- keep children and pets away from cooking area
-
ensure it is fully extinguished and cool before disposal.
A single spark can quickly develop into a large wildfire, putting lives, property and wildlife at risk.
Driving and vehicle safety during a heatwave
Hot weather can increase the risk of vehicle breakdowns, collisions and fires. Stay safe by following these simple tips:
Hot weather can increase the risk of vehicle breakdowns, collisions and fires. Stay safe by following these simple tips:
- check your route and vehicle before you travel – ensure coolant, oil and screen wash levels are topped up, tyres are correctly inflated with legal tread depth and check for any planned road closures or delays.
- travel outside the hottest part of the day where possible.
- carry plenty of water and stay hydrated, especially on longer journeys.
- take regular breaks – heat can cause fatigue and reduce concentration, increasing the risk of a collision.
- be prepared for delays – carry snacks, a fully charged phone and charger, sunglasses, sun cream and any essential medication.
- never leave people, pets or battery-powered devices in a vehicle – temperatures inside a parked vehicle can become dangerous within minutes.
- watch for overheating – if warning lights appear or you see steam from the engine, stop safely, switch off the engine and seek assistance.
- young drivers, fewer passengers – newly qualified drivers are at significantly greater risk of a collision when carrying several passengers of a similar age. Consider alternative travel arrangements or reduce passenger numbers.
- keep batteries cool – lithium-ion batteries in phones, vapes, e-bikes and e-scooters can become a fire risk when exposed to high temperatures or charged incorrectly. Use the correct charger and keep devices out of direct sunlight and excessive heat.
- dress for the ride – if you’re riding a moped or motorbike, always wear appropriate protective clothing. PPE may feel uncomfortable in hot weather, but it can prevent serious injury.
- reduce fire risk – never discard cigarettes from a vehicle and avoid parking on dry grass, as hot exhaust systems and catalytic converters can ignite vegetation.
Cold water shock can affect anyone
While rivers, lakes, reservoirs and the sea may look inviting in the heat, the water can remain dangerously cold, even during periods of very hot weather. We want to remind residents and visitors that cold water shock can occur in water temperatures below 15°C. Entering cold water can trigger an involuntary gasp reflex, rapid breathing and shock to the body, which can lead to drowning, even in strong and confident swimmers. In some cases, it can also cause serious cardiac problems. Rather than using open water to cool down, we are encouraging people to find safer ways to stay cool during the heatwave.
While rivers, lakes, reservoirs and the sea may look inviting in the heat, the water can remain dangerously cold, even during periods of very hot weather. We want to remind residents and visitors that cold water shock can occur in water temperatures below 15°C. Entering cold water can trigger an involuntary gasp reflex, rapid breathing and shock to the body, which can lead to drowning, even in strong and confident swimmers. In some cases, it can also cause serious cardiac problems. Rather than using open water to cool down, we are encouraging people to find safer ways to stay cool during the heatwave.
People are being encouraged to:
- avoid entering rivers, lakes, quarries and reservoirs.
- stay out of the water if you have been drinking alcohol.
- choose supervised and life-guarded locations if planning water-based activities.
- know your location and be prepared to call 999 if someone gets into difficulty.
- find alternative ways to keep cool, such as staying in the shade, drinking plenty of water and avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.
If you unexpectedly enter cold water, our advice is to Float to Live – lean back, keep your airway clear, spread your arms and legs, and try to control your breathing until the effects of cold water shock pass.
If someone gets into trouble in the water
We are reminding people never to enter the water to attempt a rescue.
Instead:
We are reminding people never to enter the water to attempt a rescue.
Instead:
- Call 999 immediately.
- At the coast, ask for the Coastguard.
- Inland, ask for Fire and Ambulance.
- Encourage the casualty to float on their back.
- Throw them something that floats if possible.
Keeping cool safely at home
Many families will be spending more time outdoors in gardens during the hot weather, and we are encouraging people to do so safely. Paddling pools can provide a great way to cool down, but children should never be left unattended around water, even for a moment. Drowning can happen quickly and silently in very shallow water. Pet owners are also being reminded to ensure animals have access to shade and fresh drinking water throughout the day and are never left in hot vehicles. We are also asking people to check in on elderly neighbours, relatives and other vulnerable members of their community who may be more affected by the extreme temperatures.
Many families will be spending more time outdoors in gardens during the hot weather, and we are encouraging people to do so safely. Paddling pools can provide a great way to cool down, but children should never be left unattended around water, even for a moment. Drowning can happen quickly and silently in very shallow water. Pet owners are also being reminded to ensure animals have access to shade and fresh drinking water throughout the day and are never left in hot vehicles. We are also asking people to check in on elderly neighbours, relatives and other vulnerable members of their community who may be more affected by the extreme temperatures.
Know what to do in an emergency
If you spot a wildfire, move to a place of safety and call 999 immediately. If possible, provide an accurate location using landmarks, What3Words or a mapping app.
If you spot a wildfire, move to a place of safety and call 999 immediately. If possible, provide an accurate location using landmarks, What3Words or a mapping app.
As temperatures continue to rise, we are asking everyone to think carefully about their actions, look after friends, family and neighbours, and help us keep communities, countryside and coastlines safe throughout the heatwave.
A few simple precautions can make all the difference and help prevent a day out in the sunshine from turning into an emergency.
