New campaign urges public to help prevent outdoor fires this summer

Wildlife Wise, a partnership project dedicated to protecting East Suffolk’s wildlife and coastal environments, is spearheading a new fire awareness campaign supported by Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS).

Launched in May to coincide with Wildfire Awareness Month, the Wildfires in East Suffolk campaign aims to protect wildlife in coastal, heathland and woodland habitats by raising awareness of how fires in the open start and how they can be prevented.

Across Suffolk last year, from January to mid-November, SFRS attended 310 fires in the open at varying levels of severity - an increase of 105 incidents compared to the previous year.

In response, the campaign will install impactful signage in high fire-risk areas along key tourist routes. Displaying the SFRS crest, these signs will be placed on roads, in car parks and along footpaths at wildlife sites across the county.

The signage warns of the dangers of lighting disposable barbecues and campfires outside designated areas, reinforcing key fire safety messages developed in partnership with the Service. Additional messaging urges visitors to take all litter home, including cigarettes and e-cigarettes, which can contribute to outdoor fires during hot, dry weather.

During hot weather, the public is urged to:

• Avoid lighting barbecues and campfires near vegetation such as grass, heathland or woodland - only use them in designated safe areas

• Leave no trace - take all litter home or dispose of it in bins provided

• Ensure cigarettes and smoking materials are fully extinguished and disposed of responsibly - vapes should be taken to dedicated recycling points

• Douse disposable barbecues with water, allow them to cool completely, then dispose of them in household (black) bins - never in public bins

Sam Kench, Wildlife Wise Delivery Manager, said: “As the weather gets warmer, we want people to enjoy spending time outdoors, but we are asking visitors not to bring sources of fire to our wildlife sites. Dry grass and vegetation can ignite very quickly, and fires in the open can spread rapid, killing wildlife and destroying important habitats.”

He added: “While many people are aware that cigarettes are a common cause of outdoor fires, fewer realise they also contribute to plastic pollution, posing a dual risk to wildlife. Similarly, disposable vapes - which are becoming increasingly common - can ignite if exposed to extreme temperatures. That’s why they should only ever be disposed of at dedicated recycling points.

“We have already lost many hectares of habitat across Suffolk to fires in the open in recent years, and the risk continues to rise as temperatures increase. This is why we’ve launched this campaign.”

Alex Smith, Tactical Wildfire Advisor at Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Campfires and disposable barbecues should only be used in designated areas, which are carefully selected to be well away from anything that could catch fire, such as dry grass, shrubs, trees or wooden structures.

“It only takes a small spark to start an outdoor fire, which can spread rapidly - especially during prolonged dry conditions.

“By preventing fires before they start, we can protect our communities, preserve natural habitats and wildlife, and reduce pressure on the Service, supporting our wider prevention work across the county.”

If you see a fire outdoors:

• Get to a safe place

• Note the exact location - use what3words if possible (https://what3words.com)

• Call 999 and ask for the Fire and Rescue Service

• Provide as much information as possible

• If requested, meet crews at the nearest access point