Spring Countryside Safety Advice

Every year fire destroys thousands of acres of countryside and wildlife habitats. Some fires are started deliberately, but most are due to carelessness. Keep the glorious British countryside picture perfect ready for the spring months by following our straightforward advice.

• Always extinguish your cigarette and any other smoking materials properly. Never throw your cigarettes out of your car window - it could ruin whole fields of crops.
• Don't leave bottles or glass in woodlands. Even during the months of spring the sunlight is strong enough to shine through glass and start large fires. Take them home or put them in the waste or recycling bin.
• It may seem a good idea at the time, but a fire in the open can easily get out of control.
• Keep children away from matches and cigarettes, and open fires.

Barbecues Safety

Barbecues should be a safe and enjoyable experience but it's all too easy to be distracted when you have friends and family around you whilst cooking.

• Check first with the landowner if fires and barbecues are permitted. Only have them in safe, designated areas
• Only use barbecues in suitable and safe areas and never leave them unattended. Keep young people and ball games away from barbecues.
• Ensure that your barbecue is fully extinguished and cold before disposing of the contents.
• Stop young children playing around the barbecue area.

FINALLY...

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 and dial 999.