Recent fires across the West Midlands have been a worrying reminder of how quickly a fire can spread, particularly during hot and dry weather. Some fires have affected homes and communities, with emergency services working hard to keep people safe.
The government says that most wildfires in the UK are caused by human activity. A small spark can quickly become a serious fire, putting people, homes, wildlife and countryside at risk.
There are simple things we can all do to help reduce the risk:
- Do not light fires in the countryside or other open spaces, including parks, moorland and wooded areas.
- Only use barbecues in designated areas where they are permitted. Never leave a hot barbecue unattended. Make sure your barbecue is fully put out and ashes are cold before disposing of it.
- Put cigarettes out fully and disposed of them carefully. Never throw cigarette ends from vehicles.
- Take all rubbish home with you, especially glass bottles, which can focus the sun’s rays and start a fire.
- Follow local guidance and signage, particularly when fire risks are high.
If you see a fire outdoors, what should you do?
Move to a safe location away from the fire and call 999 immediately. Do not assume someone else has reported it and do not attempt to tackle the fire yourself. Avoid travelling to the area of a wildfire, as this can make it harder for emergency services to respond. Always follow the advice of emergency services and local authorities, including any instruction to evacuate or stay indoors with windows closed.
Let’s all do our part to keep our communities and countryside safe this summer.
You can read the government’s wildfire safety advice here:
Wildfires: How can you stay safe and protect the countryside? – MHCLG in the Media
If you are a Rooftop resident and have been affected by the fire, please call us on 01386 420800.
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