Norfolk Fire & Rescue Service is urging residents to take extra care outdoors after crews were called to more than 200 fires in the open since the start of the month.
The recent spell of hot, dry weather has kept firefighters, fire control and support staff exceptionally busy, with the service warning that the risk of outdoor fires remains high even as temperatures begin to fall. Dry ground and windy conditions mean even small fires can spread rapidly.
The warning comes after firefighters dealt with 14 fires in the open in a single day in the last week of July, including five incidents classed as wildfires because of their size and the number of fire appliances needed to tackle them.
Out-of-control bonfires, a discarded cigarette and bin fires were among the causes of the incidents. Several required significant resources, with crews responding while continuing to deal with other emergencies across the county.
Norfolk Fire & Rescue Service has no legal powers to ban bonfires, disposable barbecues or sky lanterns. However, it is urging people to avoid using them while the current hot and dry conditions continue, as they can easily start fires that threaten lives, property and the countryside.
“Thanks to the public for their ongoing diligence in reporting fires to us early and helping us to pinpoint location,” said Chief Fire Officer Ceri Sumner. “Our teams are working around the clock to ensure the safety of our county and we remain available 24/7 for Norfolk this summer.”
The service also assisted neighbouring Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service, with crews from Gorleston and Diss helping tackle the major wildfire at Dunwich.
To help prevent further incidents, Norfolk Fire & Rescue Service is asking people to follow a few simple safety measures:
- Pack a picnic instead of using disposable barbecues or lighting campfires when out and about.
- Take all your rubbish home with you – litter, especially glass, can start fires in the open.
- Fully extinguish smoking materials and never throw lit cigarettes from car windows.
If you spot a fire in the open, call 999 immediately. Anyone with the what3words app is also encouraged to provide their exact location to help emergency services find them more quickly.
People are also being asked to think carefully about their actions, look after friends, family and neighbours, and help keep communities and countryside safe throughout the summer.
