Help Keep Berkshire Safe in the Summer

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) is asking people to enjoy the outdoors safely this summer, especially in and around the water.

As temperatures continue to rise, more and more people will be spending time in the outdoors. Whilst barbecues and camping are good ways to enjoy the summer, carelessness can lead to disaster.

Outdoor fires can start and spread quickly in hot conditions, destroying property and endangering lives. The best way to stay safe is to prevent fires from starting in the first place.

Gail Muirhead, Prevention Manager said: “There are many ways that fires can start in the open. Discarded cigarettes, disposable barbecues and littering are just three easily preventable causes of outdoor fires that can quickly get out of control.

“Make sure you dispose of rubbish safely, especially glass bottles and cigarettes, by putting them in the bin. If you have a cigarette or disposable barbecue, make sure they’re properly extinguished and have cooled down before you bin them. Remember, never use a disposable barbecue on a flammable surface such as grass.”

“In hot and dry conditions, wildfires can spread extremely quickly. If you do come across a fire in the open, get yourself to a safe place and call 999 immediately. Do not attempt to investigate or extinguish the fire yourself.”

The Service is asking people to take extra care to reduce the risk of fire and keep themselves safe if they plan to spend time outdoors:

• Dispose of litter properly – lit cigarettes and broken glass can cause fires.
• Do not leave fires or barbecues unattended.
• Position barbecues on an even, fire resistant surface.
• Make sure fires and barbecues are properly extinguished after use.
• Do not smoke or use candles inside a tent.
• Do not cook inside a small tent, near flammable materials or long grass. They can all set alight easily.
• Do not be tempted to swim in open water such as rivers, lakes, canals or quarries. You have no idea what is beneath the surface and unseen currents or reeds could pull you under.
• Avoid bridge and ledge jumping at all times, often referred to as ‘tombstoning’, as this can cause potentially fatal cold water shock, even on the warmest day.
• If you find yourself in trouble in the water, float to live. Do not panic, float on your back until the effects of cold water shock pass. When the cold water shock has passed, you can then swim to the edge or call for help.
• If someone else falls into the water, call 999 straight away. Do not enter the water yourself.

“In hot and dry conditions, wildfires can spread extremely quickly. If you do come across a fire in the open, get yourself to a safe place and call 999 immediately. Do not attempt to investigate or extinguish the fire yourself.”

Gail Muirhead, Prevention Manager

• Do not be tempted to investigate the fire or attempt to extinguish it yourself.
• Leave the area immediately and call 999. Ask for the Fire and Rescue Service and try and give a precise description of where the fire is.
• Do not return unless told that it is safe to do so.

For more information about how to stay safe outdoors, please visit our warm weather advice pages.