Be Wildfire Aware This Summer

As more hot weather approaches, please be aware of the increased risk of wildfires.

Each year, wildfires destroy thousands of acres of countryside, devastating habitats, and the lives of mammals, nesting birds and pollinators. In the heat, fires can spread quickly, due to the dry grass, straw and plants.

This summer Staffordshire has seen a significant number of wildfires, causing damage to our wildlife, communities and countryside. Many of these fires are preventable. So, while you enjoy the next heatwave please keep in mind these tips, provided by Staffordshire Fire and Rescue, on how to prevent grass fires.

Tips on how to prevent wildfires: 

• Never throw cigarette ends out of car windows
• Make sure cigarettes are put out properly and disposed of in dedicated bins
• Take your rubbish home or put it in a bin
• Don’t leave glass bottles lying on the ground. Sunlight shining through glass can start a fire
• Don’t have open fires or BBQs in the countryside – they can easily set fire and spread
• Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children and talk to them about the dangers of starting fires

Thank you to everyone at Staffordshire Fire and Rescue for working hard to protect not just the people, but the wildlife in Staffordshire too.

To find out more about fire prevention, visit: Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service

To see more on the campaign Don’t Be Blamed For The Flames, visit: Don’t be Blamed for the Flames

*Information and image from Staffordshire Fire & Rescue.