North Yorkshire fire chiefs urge public to behave responsibly amid heatwave

The county's fire and rescue service is calling on communities

Outdoor BBQ
Author: Ramla JeylaniPublished 10th Aug 2022
Last updated 10th Aug 2022

Fire chiefs in North Yorkshire have called on their communities to work with them and behave responsibly as the country braces itself for another heatwave.

The Met Office have issued an Amber weather warning in some parts of the UK with temperatures due to pass 30C again this week.

Though we don't have an Amber weather warning in place in North Yorkshire, temperatures are still expected to pass 30C.

There are concerns that dry conditions could lead to further wildfires - similar to those seen across the country in July.

North Yorkshire firefighters are now raising awareness about disposable BBQs - which if left behind by countryside goers could start dangerous fires.

Whilst many are taking advantage of warmer weather with BBQs in the countryside, crews here are urging the community against it:

Dave Dixon, from North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue, says:

" We see an increase in people using disposable BBQs, this is a risk in the countryside and It's something, we as a fire service, would urge people not to do, especially at the moment, because the weather is so hot and dry."

"We've seen a few big fires like this in the countryside recently. When these fires occur, it requires us to mobilise a lot of resources to put the fire out. As a result of these fires we are starting to see other properties, machinery and infrastructure get involved. In other parts of the country houses and buildings have been involved as a result of wildfires."

"In terms of damage, any fire can cause considerable damage, so even a BBQ, if its left unattended or used in an area that's inappropriate, catches fire, It would have the same impact as any fire in the countryside. The implications of it could be very severe.

"We urge people to not have BBQs at the countryside. Have BBQs at home where you can use an appropriate place and an appropriate BBQ stand. Where you can have water nearby so if anything did happen, you have a water source to quickly cool the BBQ down if it gets too hot."

"We are concerned about that as a fire service."

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