Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) today warned that warmer weather can create a series of fire risks.
Director of Prevention and Protection, ACO Lewis Ramsay, said:
“Whether enjoying a summer barbeque at home, or exploring some of Scotland’s stunning scenery, we would ask that people Join Scotland’s Fight Against Fire. We have produced a new ‘Summer Safety’ leaflet which also provides some potentially life-saving tips about fire safety in caravans, camp sites and the countryside. Whatever you are doing this summer, I’d urge you to take a few minutes to visit our website and make sure that you can enjoy a fire free summer.”
On average there are almost 100 caravan fires in Scotland every year.
ACO Ramsay added: “A fire in a caravan or mobile home can spread much more quickly than it would in a house or flat. Take extra care and think about fire safety when you are away from home. Make sure you have working smoke alarms in your caravan. If you have a cooking area, consider fitting a heat alarm.”
Whether you are camping at T in the Park* (a festival) or a holiday camp site, the ‘Summer Safety’ leaflet provides an essential guide to avoiding fire.
ACO Ramsay said: “Tents can be ‘gone in 60 seconds’. Make sure you’ve read our tips regarding campfires, and the potentially lethal hazards that candles and smoking present.”
With many of us enjoying the World Cup, SFRS has produced its own first eleven top tips.
1. Make sure your caravan is alarmed – working smoke alarms are essential. Heat alarms are ideal for cooking areas, and where gas appliances are in use, Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors are recommended.
2. Don’t use candles or smoke inside tents.
3. Make sure a dropped cigarette won’t start an outdoor fire.
4. If you spot a fire in the countryside, no matter how small, report it via 999. Firesetting is an offence. Don’t accept it, report it. Contact Police Scotland on 101 or pass information anonymously to Scotland Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
5. If you are spending time in the countryside follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code www.outdooraccess-scotland.com
6. Avoid alcohol if you are in charge of a barbeque.
7. Never use petrol or paraffin to light your barbeque; use only recognised lighters or starter fuels on cold coals.
8. Only dispose of ashes from camp fires or barbeques when they are cold to the touch.
9. Gas cylinders should be kept outside. Never store petrol, diesel or gas containers under your caravan or inside your home.
10. Avoid entering any stretch of water if you are under the influence or drink or drugs.
11. Never take a portable barbeque – or lit charcoal – into an enclosed space like a tent or caravan.
ACO Ramsay added: “These top tips, and our Summer Safety leaflet , should help ensure that you enjoy a fire free summer.”
Further Summer Safety information is available on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website www.firescotland.gov.uk
