Oxfordshire fire crews launch wildfire prevention advice

Safety advice to reduce the risk of wildfires is being shared with residents by Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service, following a number of major grassland blazes over recent summers.

Oxfordshire’s fire and rescue crews attended four major wildfires last year, three the year before and seven in 2023, each incident covering at least 10,000m2. They were also called to many smaller outdoor fires, which had potential to become much bigger incidents if they hadn’t been extinguished quickly.

During dry weather it only takes a small spark to set alight grass, shrubs or litter, and flames can quickly get out of control becoming major incidents that can put lives and property in danger.

Deb Forder, Safety Manager for Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Please be careful, act responsibly and follow our important safety guidance.

“If you’re going to be out and about in the countryside, please make sure you don’t discard your cigarette or throw it from your car; take your rubbish home as even something like a glass bottle can start a fire if it heats dry grassland by reflecting the sun’s rays.

“When using a barbeque, ensure it’s in good working order and follow the instructions. It’s important to make sure any gas pipes are in good condition and connected correctly, placing the barbecue on a stable surface so it cannot fall over, and keep it well away from anything that can catch fire.

“After use we recommend that you make sure any cylinders are property turned off and if using charcoal or a disposable barbecue, please don’t dispose of any coals in your bin for at least 24 hours, and never leave a lit barbeque unattended.”

The fire prevention guidance extends to gardening, particularly the burning of unwanted cuttings and plant waste. The advice is to make sure any fire is at least 18 metres away from houses, trees, hedges, fences and sheds.

Deb said: “Please don’t build your bonfire more than three metres in height and keep buckets of water or a working hosepipe nearby. Once your fire has died down, spray the embers with water to stop it from reigniting and keep a watchful eye to make sure it doesn’t flare up again.”

Oxfordshire’s fire and rescue crews have also been sharing water safety advice linked to concerns about people getting into difficulty in the county’s waterways and lakes, or during visits to the seaside.

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