Health, Safety and Environment Monthly Message – May 2015

Grass Fires

The recent warm and dry weather has prompted an unprecedented level of grass fires, particularly across Wales. Between 1st April and 15th April 2015, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) attended 473 grass fires, the vast majority of which fires had been started deliberately. On 15th April alone, SWFRS attended over 50 deliberately lit grass fires within that 24 hour period.

Grass and mountain fires are especially dangerous as they are often unpredictable and can spiral out of control within minutes. The often arduous terrain can lead to accessibility issues and impact on the ability of Fire and Rescue Services to tackle such fires. Individuals should not attempt to tackle these fires themselves, and are being encouraged to report any suspicious behaviour that they might witness to authorities.

Grass fires can also have significant indirect consequences, as it can mean that Fire and Rescue Service resources are diverted from other potentially life threatening incidents. On 21st April alone, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service received 250 999 calls as a result of grass fires across South West Wales.

The guidance is that everyone:

  • Think about the consequences of deliberate fire setting and the impact on the countryside and wildlife;
  • Think about the impact that deliberate fires have on your communities;  
  • Think about the impact on Firefighters and their safety, while they are attending these deliberate fires they are not able to respond to other incidents including house fires and road traffic collisions;
  • Arson is a crime. You can help by providing accurate information or descriptions to enable the police to arrest those concerned;
  • If you are part of a neighbourhood scheme, your information is invaluable and Fire and Rescue Services ask that you continue to report any suspicious activity to the Fire Crime Unit or Police.

Members of the public have also been asked to take particular care when disposing of cigarettes and other smoking material near grass areas, especially during periods of dry weather.

Further information relating to guidance regarding grass fires can be found via the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service website: http://www.mawwfire.gov.uk/Pages/Welcome.aspx