Warning over grass fire risk

Warm, dry and windy conditions have left large parts of the countryside susceptible to fire, prompting fire officers to ask South Yorkshire residents and landowners to be extra vigilant.

Rotherham firefighters have tackled more than 50 deliberate grass and vegetation fires in the 17 days up to May 5, including 16 on grassland and 29 on scrubland.

Meanwhile, hundreds of firefighters have spent the week tackling large gorse, grass and forest fires in West Yorkshire, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Berkshire, Merseyside and Lancashire.

One of the largest incidents at Swinley Forest, Berkshire, is being dealt with by more than 150 firefighters.

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue area manager Dave Kiddy, said: “With the prospect of rain very unlikely in the next 24 hours, we’re asking members of the public to remain vigilant to the threat of large grassland fires.

“These fires can quickly spread, endangering life and property, as well as tying up significant proportions of our resources, which might otherwise be needed to attend further, life threatening emergencies.

“As well as taking some basic precautions when accessing the local countryside, residents can also assist us by reporting those suspected of deliberately starting fires in their areas.”

Residents are being asked to:

• Put cigarettes out properly and not throw cigarette ends on the ground.
• Avoid using open fires in the countryside.
• Not leave bottles or glass in woodland as sunlight shining through glass can start fires.
• Only use barbecues in a suitable and safe area and never leave them unattended.
• Report any unattended fires you spot in the countryside.
• Only tackle fires if it is safe to do so.

With the vast majority of the grass fires South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue attends started deliberately, residents can report firesetters anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.