Arson warning as heatwave goes on

ONGOING HEATWAVE HAS LED TO MORE CALL OUTS FOR FIREFIGHTERS

A SPATE of grass fires has prompted firefighters to issue a warning to farmers.

Farmers are being told not to leave dry hay stacks near to roads in a bid to prevent arson attacks.

There has been a higher than usual number of farm fires across Warwickshire during the ongoing heatwave, including a large field fire on Red Lane, Kenilworth which was tackled by a crew of 20 firefighters.

On Saturday afternoon, crews from Bedworth were called out to two separate grass fires, both of which are believed to have been started deliberately.

West Midlands Fire Service has also seen an increase in call-outs to grass fires tackling at least 15 grass fires in Coventry in the space of just four days.

Arson Prevention Officer at Warwickshire Fire and Rescue, Rebecca Roberts, said: “In this heat the ground is very dry and fires can spread quickly endangering lives and businesses, so it is so important that farmers are aware of what to do to prevent fires, and deal with them if the worst does happen.

“The vast majority of farmers make every effort to protect their crops, equipment and buildings, but these simple checks can make a real difference.

“Fortunately the fires we have seen have been accidental in nature, but there is an increased risk of arson involving stacks.

“To reduce this risk, farmers should remove hay and straw from the fields as soon as possible after harvesting, and store them separately from other buildings in stacks of reasonable size away from roads.”

Midlands fire crews from were sent to the north of the country earlier this month to help put out severe blazes at Saddleworth Moor and Winter Hill near Bolton.

Fire service advice: If you discover a wild fire on open land

Get to a safe place. They can move quickly and unpredictably.

Go further away than you think necessary and if possible put a natural fire break between you and the fire.

Note your location and call 999 asking for fire and rescue.

At harvest, to reduce the risk of fire: Make sure you have working fire extinguishers with every vehicle during harvest. Think about cultivating firebreaks around fields after harvest. Make sure machinery is chaff free, serviced and in good condition. Have a tractor and associated requirement ready to cut a fire break if necessary. Keep a full water bowser or tank nearby when harvesting. Regularly check and maintain open water supplies for fire fighting. Remind employees to be careful with cigarettes and matches while harvesting. Put it out, right out. Portfolio Warwickshire Holder County for Community Council’s Fire Safety, Cllr Andy Crump added: “The safety of Warwickshire communities is paramount and as the hot weather continues, fire damage can quickly have devastating consequences. “We are fortunate to have beautiful rural areas across the county, and we would urge everybody to take extra precautions to avoid fire in these conditions.”

To reduce risk, farmers should remove any straw from fields as soon as possible after harvesting. Rebecca Roberts