Grass Fires.

When the ground is extremely dry, grassland and parks will burn quickly when exposed to even the smallest of sparks.

What can cause a grass fire?  

Anything that is burning can start a grass fire. The most common offenders are cigarettes and barbecues.  

Cigarettes 

Cigarettes dropped on dry grass that have not been properly extinguished are very likely to cause a grass fire.  

Even cigarettes thrown from a car window can start a fire. Many roads are banked by or near to grassland, and  these can be easily set on fire by a cigarette when dried out.    

Disposable barbecues 

Disposable barbecues can cause fires when smouldering ash and embers are carried by the wind onto areas of dry grass.  

Disposable barbecues that have been discarded and abandoned can still end up causing a fire as they will continue to retain heat after use – they need to be put right out and cooled before being thrown away.  

Glass bottles 

It might sound strange, but glass left in the parks can start fires too. Left on or near dry grass, glass can magnify the sun and start a fire.  

Spread fast 

Grass fires can spread extremely fast so if you see dry grass smouldering, please call 999 and report it immediately so that firefighters can deal with it and stop it from spreading. 

Grass fire prevention tips: 

• Don’t drop cigarettes or anything that is burning on dry ground  
• Don’t  drop cigarettes out of car windows, they may land on dry grass by the roadside  
• Avoid having barbecues in parks and public spaces 
• Never leave camp fires or barbecues unattended and extinguish them properly after you have finished using them  
• Position your barbecue on level ground and keep it well away from anything that may catch fire (sheds, fences, trees, tents etc.) 
• Do not barbecue on balconies, the wind may carry smouldering ash towards nearby grassland  
• If you’re  barbecuing near dry grass have a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergency use 
• Be aware that children, animals, balls or anything else may knock over barbecues, increasing the risk of grass fires, especially when in a busy parks or public spaces