Last summer firefighters from the service responded to more than 200 fires in the open, which includes woodland, heaths, farmland, and fields, between July and September.
For the same period in 2022 there were 500 fires due to extreme temperatures which resulted in the service declaring a major incident for the first time in decades.
While such incidents are thankfully rare, Suffolk’s senior fire officer is asking people to stay vigilant and play their part in reducing the risk of fires.
Chief Fire Officer Jon Lacey said:
“Hot, dry weather can result in tinderbox conditions and in a rural county such as Suffolk a fire can quickly take hold and spread in open areas.
“I would ask that everyone do what they can to prevent fires breaking out as so many incidents can be avoided by people taking just that little bit of extra care and thinking about what they are doing.
“Please help us to help you and the wider community by preventing incidents from happening in the first place, reducing the chance of anyone being seriously injured or even killed in a fire.”
During hot and dry weather, people are encouraged to:
- Put litter in the bin when out and about.
- Avoid barbecues and campfires in public open spaces.
- Ensure that any cigarettes are totally put out and disposed of properly.
- Pick up any glass items instead of leaving them lying around after a picnic.
- Report any fires in the countryside immediately by calling 999.
Farmers are also urged to slow the spread of fires by storing hay and straw with a break between stacks and away from other buildings, especially those housing livestock or containing fuels and chemicals.
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service has been working closely with the National Farmers Union and county-based agricultural machinery manufacturers to ensure effective team working and knowledge sharing.
The service also recently provided training and advice at an NFU health and safety event.
The service also offers Home Fire Safety Visits, which involves specialist staff and operational crews visiting Suffolk residents in their homes to provide bespoke fire safety advice, including designing a fire escape plan to help people safely evacuate their property in the event of a fire, and fitting smoke, carbon monoxide and sensory alarms.
The service uses Safelincs – the online Home Fire Safety Check - which helps prioritise the most vulnerable in our communities. More details are available at www.safelincs.co.uk/hfsc/
Mr Lacey said:
“Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service is keen to reach those most at risk from fire. This is often households with other needs such as disabilities, mental health issues, or reliance on financial support.
“We are also more than happy to help and advise anyone who wants information around fire safety and prevention.”
Fire safety information can be found on the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service website at www.suffolk.gov.uk/suffolk-fire-and-rescue-service
Guidance is also shared regularly on the service’s Facebook and Twitter channels.
