Fire chiefs urge public to behave responsibly amid hot weather warnings

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

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

A yellow weather warning is in place across Northern England from midday today until Saturday.

There are concerns that dry conditions could lead to a repeat of a surge in wildfires that swept the country during the heatwave in July.

And now senior officers at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) have called on the public to behave responsibly to keep their community safe.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Peter Heath urged people not to use barbecues in the countryside, avoid setting bonfires and be careful of disposing cigarettes and glass bottles.

He said:

“Temperatures are not expected to reach the levels that we saw last month but the hot weather comes at a time where things are already tinder dry. This presents a serious increase in the chances of fire and rapid fire spread.

“Last month we saw a huge surge in calls and attended incidents where relatively small fires had been exacerbated by the heat and led to a much more challenging response.

“We also provided mutual aid to other fire and rescue services who had to declare major incidents where wildfires had completely destroyed homes and property.

“That isn’t something we want to have to deal with here and so we want to ask the public to work with us and behave responsibly during the hot weather.

He continued:

“It is also important to take your rubbish away with you, particularly glass bottles or objects. These can concentrate sunlight and spark fires that put people’s lives at risk.

“Ultimately, the increased risk as a result of the tinder dry conditions, coupled with deliberate fires in bins and public areas, adds a level of risk that is avoidable.

“With the continued support of local communities, we can keep everyone safe and may just save someone’s property.

“We also want to issue a timely reminder to behave responsibly around the water and make sure you are aware of some of the dangers that may be hidden beneath the surface.”

The level three Amber heat warning was issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and covers southern and central England.

It is one stage lower than the most serious level four red warning issued in last month's heatwave.

For more information on the weather warnings, visit the Met Office social media accounts. For Fire Safety and Water Safety advice visit www.twfire.gov.uk. In an emergency, always dial 999.

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