After weekend grass fires spread acres, locals urged to take precautions

On Saturday, 29 March, Avon Fire & Rescue Service responded to a grass fire that spread across more than five-acres of Knowle Hill. The blaze posed a significant risk to both local wildlife and the surrounding community. With temperatures set to rise this week and throughout the summer months, the fire service is urging local residents and visitors to take extra precautions. Help us to prevent wildfires and stay safe while enjoying the outdoors.

“Fires are often preventable, but they can spread rapidly in warm, dry conditions,” said Group Manager Ben Thompson. “We’re asking everyone to follow our simple safety advice when spending time outside, particularly as we approach the warmer weather. What may start as a small spark can quickly escalate into a dangerous fire, endangering both the environment and people’s lives.”

Key outdoor safety advice:

As people head outdoors to enjoy the sunshine, it’s crucial to keep wildfire prevention at the forefront of their minds. Avon Fire & Rescue Service is urging the public to follow these essential safety tips to help reduce the risk:

1. Avoid open fires in the countryside – Only use fires in designated, safe areas, and ensure they are fully extinguished before leaving.

2. Use BBQs safely – Always use disposable barbecues in designated safe, legal areas. Place them on flat, non-flammable surfaces like paving slabs, and keep them well away from flammable materials such as trees, fences, and dry plants.

3. Properly extinguish smoking materials – Always ensure cigarettes and other smoking materials are fully extinguished before leaving your vehicle, never throw them out of a car window.

4. Keep glass and bottles out of woodlands – Glass can act as a magnifying lens, increasing the risk of a fire. Always take bottles and glass home with you and place them in a recycling bin.

5. Follow The Countryside Code – Familiarise yourself with the Countryside Code to ensure you’re enjoying outdoor spaces safely and respectfully.

“We all have a responsibility to protect our natural spaces and reduce the risk of fires,” Ben Thompson added. “By following these simple steps, we can all help ensure that our countryside remains a safe and enjoyable place for everyone.”

As the summer months approach, Avon Fire & Rescue Service is intensifying efforts to raise awareness of wildfire risks. The service encourages local people and visitors to stay vigilant, follow fire safety advice, and act quickly if they spot a fire.

What to do if you spot a fire:

• If you come across a fire outdoors, do not attempt to tackle the fire yourself.
• Call 999 immediately and leave the area as soon as possible to ensure your safety.
• Act quickly—the sooner the fire is reported, the quicker emergency services can respond.

Find more information on wildfire prevention and outdoor safety on our website, or follow Avon Fire & Rescue Service on social media.