Fire prevention advice issued as heatwave surges across Northamptonshire

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging members of the public to consider fire safety during this week’s heatwave.

Highs of 32 degrees are expected across the county today as the warm weather spells continue.

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service is asking the public to act upon safety advice during this time and to follow any local fire bans or restrictions issued by your local council or authority.

Group Manager Rob Green said: “We’re wanting you to go outside and enjoy the warm weather but please make sure you stay safe.

“When it comes to barbeques and campfires, make sure they are raised off the ground, also make sure you don’t leave them unattended. When you’re finished make sure you fully extinguish the fire and dispose of it safely.

“Please check with your local authority where you can have barbeques or campfires.”

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service is continuing to use monitoring tools, such as the Fire Severity Index, to produce a risk assessment of the weather.

It predicts how severe a wildfire could become if one were to ignite.

For Northamptonshire, the level is very high. This means if a fire was to ignite, it could spread quickly.

Fires may be difficult to control if not detected early, and wind can carry embers, increasing the risk of secondary fires.

Please consider the following safety advice to prevent fires and protect yourself and your property during hot weather:

• Never light an open fire

• Only BBQ in designated safe areas

• Extinguish BBQs fully

• Never throw cigarettes on the ground, always extinguish and dispose of them safely

• Properly dispose of litter, items such as glass bottles can cause fires if left in the sun
• Avoid having bonfires, but if you must, build them well away from houses, garages, sheds, fences, overhead cables, trees and shrubs

Remember if you spot a fire, please call us immediately with the exact location, what3words can help with this. Always call 999 if you see any signs of smoke or fire.