The Fire Service needs your help - outdoor fire safety during the coronavirus pandemic

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) is warning the public to stay safe and stay vigilant when outdoors during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Fire Service needs the help of the public to ensure their resources can be used for the vital support of all communities.

With the current dry weather being experienced, people are drawn to our outdoor spaces, especially in our beautiful local countryside. DWFRS is reminding everyone they must comply with the new Government rules to stay home and keep everyone safe – it only takes a moment of thoughtlessness to lead to the spread of coronavirus or a fire starting.

In line with Government guidelines, you should minimise time spent outside of the home to prevent spread of the virus.

DWFRS Area Manager Ian Jeary said: “During these unprecedented times, the statement from the Government is a simple one - ‘Stay Home, Save Lives’. Where you do go out for your daily exercise, please consider how you are using the outdoor space. The same applies in your garden, we are asking the public to seriously consider if they need to have a bonfire or barbecue. These can get out of control very easily. Although we are still providing an emergency response to all incidents, this does pull us away from other vital work to support our communities and means our firefighters are potentially exposing themselves to coronavirus.”

He added: “With garden waste collections suspended and local household recycling centres closed, we are starting to see an increase in garden bonfires getting out of control. Please consider if you must burn garden waste. Any bonfire should be sited well away from buildings, fences, trees and garden structures, and have a garden hose to hand in case the fire starts to accelerate. Please also be considerate of neighbours and always call 999 if you think the fire is spreading.”

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has the following advice for enjoying the outdoors safely:

• Avoid open fires in the countryside. If you must have a fire, make sure that you’re in a designated safe area.
• Put out cigarettes and other smoking materials properly before you leave your vehicle.
• Do not throw cigarette ends out of your vehicle. They could start a fire and destroy surrounding countryside.
• Site bonfires well away from buildings, fences, trees and garden structures.
• Have a garden hose to hand in case the fire starts to get out of control.
• Never use flammable liquids such as petrol or paraffin to start a bonfire.
• If you see a fire in the countryside, report it immediately. Do not try to tackle a fire yourself; usually they can’t be put out with a bucket of water. Please call the fire service and leave the area as soon as possible.
• Ensure that you know your location or a landmark so you can direct firefighters to the scene.
• If you’re intending to have a bonfire, please advise Fire Control by using the form on our website – the Service often receives emergency calls from people who can see lots of smoke, and it helps to know where this could be a controlled burn.
• Make sure you know the Countryside Code.