Countryside safety

Did you know?

A carelessly discarded cigarette in the countryside can lead to a huge fire, where the results to the wildlife can be devastating, so please follow this code and help to keep Hampshire's beautiful countryside free from fire.

forest fire

Fire safety code

The service gives the following advice on fire safety in the countryside:

Do not discard cigarettes in the countryside; dispose of smoking materials properly and make sure they are completely extinguished
Clear away bottles, glasses and any broken glass to avoid them magnifying the sun and starting a fire
Always heed the fire safety information on barbecues
Only light fires or barbecues in designated areas using the facilities provided. If you are visiting the New Forest, view details of New Forest barbecue sites (opens new window) before you go.
Don't leave camp fires or barbecues unattended and extinguish them properly after you have finished using them
Talk to young people about the dangers of playing with and lighting fires
Report any information about illegal fire setting activities and those responsible (anonymously) to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

If you see a fire

If you do see a fire in the countryside, contact Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service immediately.

Phone the fire and rescue service - dial 999
Don't attempt to tackle fires that can't be put out with a bucket of water
Give a map reference if possible, otherwise give a landmark such as a farm or pub to help locate the fire
Estimate the size of the area that's burning
Describe the type of terrain (grass, bracken, forest, open moorland etc)
Evacuate the area as soon as possible

Heathland fire risk information

After a dry winter, fires on any heathland, particularly The New Forest, can pose a serious threat to lives and property, that is why you need to understand the danger and help prevent a disastrous incident. To help you do this The Forestry Commission will be posting New Forest current fire risk information (opens new window) on their website, so if you are planning a trip to the New Forest, check it out before you go.

Countryside fires

A fire in the countryside can cause many thousands of pounds worth of damage and kill our precious wildlife. Many such fires are caused by the carelessness of people using the countryside, or by children deliberately starting fires. Just ten seconds of carelessness can cause fires that take ten hours to put out and ten years to regrow. View details of the number of heath and woodland fires tackled by Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service each year.