Norfolk Fire urge public to avoid open fires during heatwave
a level 3 heat health alert place now and for days to come
With a level 3 heat health alert place now and for days to come- we're all being urged to take care by Norfolk Fire and Rescue.
The service are calling us to avoid having BBQ's, to keep electrics off blankets and rugs and to avoid swimming alone- if the heat gets too much.
"Everything out there is tinder-dry"
Simon Mason is group leader at our service.
"Everything out there is tinder-dry and there only needs to be a spark to going in the wrong direction and we could be dealing with several hectares of fields on fire or hedgerows or people's fences at homes- which then can have that risk of spreading to people's houses and endangering people's lives."
"If you do have to use an extension lead, just be very careful that they are not running under rugs, they are not running where they are getting hot- because that's a sign of an early overload- if they start to get warm to the touch. If you are using your electronic devices, laptops, phones or tablets- make sure they are not laying on things like blankets."
"Dip your toes in the water first, there are rescue lines and throwing lines around our open water areas. So, we always say to people, if you're going to swim try and swim in an area which is not beyond your depth of water, so if you need to- you can stand up and get to safety".
"We are constantly moving our resources around"
He says they do have the ability to deal with numerous big events at one time- if absolutely necessary:
"Our crew across the county is very dynamic, on an hour an hour, day by day basis. We are constantly moving our resources around to make sure that we have the county covered and that if we get a number of large incidents we have got plans on place and we can call on help from our neighbouring county Fire Brigade."