Kent Fire & Rescue Advice

Kent Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to do their bit to help prevent grass fires across the county for the remainder of the summer season.

Grass, crop and woodland fires can have a devastating impact, injuring or killing wildlife, destroying property and livelihoods, and even putting people’s lives at risk.

This year, so far, KFRS have been called to more than 400 grass fires across Kent and Medway, with August having the most incidents so far. In the hot weather, grassland can get very dry, and flames can spread rapidly. Most grass fires are started accidentally by out-of-control bonfires, disposable barbeques or the careless disposal of smoking materials.

But these grass fires are easily preventable and there a few simple things people can do to avoid accidentally starting grass fires, and as a result protect themselves, the local community, property and wildlife. Such as:

• Keep bonfires to a manageable size, make sure it’s well clear of greenery and property, and always supervise it while it’s burning.
• Avoid having a bonfire in windy weather.
• Dispose of smoking materials responsibly, making sure they’re fully stubbed out and cooled before being put in a bin - consider using a portable ashtray when on the go.
• Only use disposable barbecues in authorised areas. Place on a sturdy, non-flammable surface when cooking, away from greenery and property, and only place in a bin once fully cool.
• Always take rubbish home or use a bin, as litter such as reflective cans and glass can start fires

Leanne McMahon, KFRS’ Assistant Director for Customer and Building Safety, said: “During periods of hot and dry weather, grass fires can start easily and spread rapidly but most of the time they can be avoided.“ Grassfires often require a large amount of fire service resources and can take hours or days to fully extinguish, they can have devastating consequences. Therefore, it’s important that everyone living, visiting and working in the county plays their part in trying to stop them from happening. “If you do see an incident, we advise people not to try and tackle grass fires, or any fire, themselves - instead to move to a safe place and call 999. We will always be here to respond when people need us.”

Fire prevention advice for premises.
Following recent scenes of violent disorder in some parts of the UK, at Kent Fire and Rescue Service we are providing advice to premises on simple steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of fire in their buildings. We continue to work closely with Kent Police and other agencies to plan for and respond to any potential disorder. However, we believe it is timely to provide you with guidance to protect your premises from fire:

• Carry out / review your fire risk assessment in which you identify and mitigate potential fire hazards.
• Ensure fire detection systems and other active fire safety systems are operating effectively by carrying out regular maintenance and tests.
• Any defects should be fixed so these are in working order.
• Ensure escape routes are clear so that occupants can quickly evacuate in the event of a fire.
• Remove waste materials and other items which could be used as fuel for any fires being set - especially if stored outside of your premises.
• Store rubbish securely within the boundaries of your premises.
• Ensure your staff know what to do in the event of a fire. Refresh fire safety training and evacuation procedures.
• Get more fire prevention information, including advice on carrying out fire risk assessments.

(With thanks from KALC Newsletter September 2024 and the Kent Fire & Rescue Service)