Community Safety Team Watch Manager Aidy Wellock said:
“We understand everyone is excited to enjoy the outdoors more now restrictions are being lifted and the weather is warming up, but we want to remind members of our community how to reduce the risk of fire while doing so.
Barbecues can easily get out of control but by following our safety tips you can reduce this risk. Drier, warmer weather also increases the risk of wildfire so it’s vital everyone takes extra care when enjoying beauty spots in and around Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Help us to protect our community and make life safer by acting responsibly and always considering others.”
Top tips for barbecues
Whether you’re using a traditional charcoal or a gas barbecue you should never leave it unattended.
Always light barbecues on level ground, well away from sheds, trees and fences or other structures
Keep a bucket of water, sand, or a hosepipe nearby in case of emergencies.
Don’t cook if you’re affected by alcohol or prescription drugs.
Make sure the coals are cool before you move the barbecue. Once cool, dispose of the ashes safely – never place them in dustbins.
When using gas barbecues ensure the tap is turned off before changing the gas cylinder. Do this outside in the open air or in a well-ventilated place.
When you’ve finished cooking, turn off the gas cylinders before you turn off the barbecue controls, this will use up any gas in the pipeline.
Store gas cylinders outside, away from frost and direct sunlight
Help keep our beautiful countryside fire-free
Warm, dry weather conditions can increase the risk of wildfire in the countryside but by following our handy countryside code, you can help to keep our beautiful countryside fire-free.
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.
Only light fires or barbecues in designated areas using the facilities provided. Please note that New Forest Crown Lands have now been declared a no BBQ and fire zone. These are no longer permitted in car parks or areas of the forest managed by Forestry England.
In an emergency:
If you do see a fire in the countryside, contact us immediately – 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.