Ealing Council is supporting the London Fire Brigade as it works to prevent grass fires – which the capital is at more of a risk from during hot and dry weather.
Some of the most common causes of grass fires are barbecues left unattended, carelessly discarded cigarettes and matches, and glass bottles left on dry grass.
The Fire Brigade’s top tips on preventing grass fires:
- Dispose of smoking materials such as cigarettes and matches safely
- Never leave camp fires or barbecues unattended and extinguish them properly after you have finished using them
- Clear away bottles, glasses and any broken glass to avoid them magnifying the sun and starting a fire
- Explain to children the dangers of playing with and lighting fires.
Having BBQs at home
When having BBQs at home, follow these tips to minimise risk:
- Never use a barbecue– including disposables – indoors or on your balcony. It is an especially dangerous place to put them as smouldering debris spits off the barbecues and floats down to other levels risking a blaze on different floors.
- Be careful where you position your barbecue– it is best on level ground, well away from anything flammable like sheds, fences, trees or tents.
- Do not use petrol, paraffin or any flammable liquids on your barbecue– firelighters are a much safer option.
- Carefully supervise children
- Keep pets indoors, or at least out of the immediate vicinity of the barbecue.
There is also a potential air quality risk with certain barbecues, just as there is with bonfires, so please keep your neighbours in mind.
Councillor Mik Sabiers, cabinet member for environment and highways said: “During hot summer weather it is more important than ever for residents to minimise the risk of fires by following the rules in our parks and green spaces.
“While we want people to enjoy our parks to the full, please remember BBQs are prohibited at all times and I urge people to take extra care to dispose of cigarettes and matches properly and clear away all litter and glass. Please think of the safety of local people and our beautiful green spaces, and avoid any reckless behaviour that might increase the risk of fire in this hot weather.”
