'Very high risk' of wildfires sparks 'severe alert' from UK Government, and includes LLR

The alert calls on all residents, landowners and visitors to avoid any activity that could start a fire, including lighting disposable barbecues, firepits and fireworks.

People should take steps to avoid the risk of causing fires. This includes:

•    Not starting any fires, including disposable barbecues, firepits, garden incinerators and fireworks
•    Not lighting bonfires or campfires
•    Not using barbecues (even those which are non-disposable) unless in a safe, controlled location away from vegetation
•    Disposing of cigarettes and other smoking materials thoroughly
•    Not leaving rubbish in the countryside, on or near grass or vegetation - this particularly applies to glass, which can magnify heat
•    Taking care in large gatherings to make sure activities do not heighten the risk of fires – even if attending organised events
•    Seeking advice before taking community action to reduce fire risk, such as creating ‘fire breaks’ – there’s a chance this may make the situation worse

Callum Faint, Chief Fire Officer for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, said: “Following weeks of persistent dry weather, the risk of wildfires is now extremely high. Even a small flame can rapidly develop into a major wildfire, putting lives, homes, businesses and our emergency responders at risk.

“We urge the public to be extremely vigilant and to do nothing that might exacerbate this risk.”

Members of the public should remain vigilant and report fires in the open as soon as possible by dialling 999 – never assume someone else has made the call.

The public can also help emergency services by downloading the free app What3Words to their smartphones, which helps crews pinpoint the location of fires in remote areas.

For more information on how to tackle extreme heat and other risks, find free advice and resources from our Risk Ready Communities programme.