Warning against lighting fires in public spaces

Swale Borough Council has issued an urgent safety warning about the dangers of lighting fires on the borough's beaches and in open spaces, as we head into another hot weekend.

With the news of a temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues the council is emphasizing the severe risk fires pose to public safety and the environment, following multiple heatwaves this summer.

Lighting fires, including the recently banned disposable BBQs, is prohibited on all of Swale's public spaces, including the Isle of Sheppey’s popular bathing beaches, under council bye-laws.

These rules are in place to protect people, property, and the local environment.

The warning comes as the Kent Fire and Rescue Service had to attend 130 accidental grass fires in July alone.

Long periods of warm weather have left grasslands and other open spaces in Swale exceptionally dry and vulnerable to fast-spreading fires and the council wants residents to help protect them.

In one weekend (24 to 26 July), firefighters attended more than 30 outdoor fires across the county, which were caused by out-of-control bonfires, campfires left unattended, disposable barbecues, and discarded cigarettes.

In Swale over that weekend a large portion of one of the council’s green spaces, Scrapsgate Field, was burnt in a fire.

In the same month, a large wildfire near Milton Regis Country Park needed to be tackled by 8 fire engines.

While a historic cricket pavilion in Faversham’s Belmont House and Gardens was destroyed following a fire earlier this month.

These are the types of serious incidents the council is determined to prevent from happening again in Swale.

Hot coals from barbecues can easily ignite dry grass, and discarded units pose a significant threat.

Burying ashes or hot coals is not a safe method of disposal; they can retain heat for many hours, creating a hidden hazard for other beach users, particularly children and animals.

Disposing of them in litter bins also frequently leads to bin fires, which can spread to become larger, uncontrolled blazes.

Similar situations can and have led to refuse lorries catching on fire.

Cllr Dolley Wooster, Chair of the Environment and Climate Change Committee, said:

“We want to remind everyone that lighting fires is not permitted on our beaches or green spaces, with these rules in place to keep you and others safe.

“Every year fires are started across the country due to disposable BBQs because the coals and ashes remain hot for many hours often leading to fires in bins and waste lorries.

“With this nicer weather comes drier grass, greatly increasing the risk of uncontrolled wildfires putting people, property and our cherished wildlife in serious danger.

“We want everyone to enjoy our beautiful award-winning beaches and green spaces safely and responsibly this summer.”

Nick Scott, Assistant Director for Response at Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS), said:

“During prolonged periods of hot weather, the ground can become extremely dry, which causes fires to start and spread quickly.

“And these types of fires can have devastating consequences on the pubic and environment, such as injuring or killing wildlife, destroying property and livelihoods, or even putting someone’s life at risk.

“They also require a huge amount of resources and while our crews are expertly trained and have specialist kit to respond to grass fires, they can be faced with working in difficult and hot conditions.

“Everyone can help to reduce the risk just by being responsible and taking extra care outdoors, so please do your bit to keep people safe.”

Swale Borough Council encourages residents and visitors to help protect the community and enjoy a safe summer by leaving BBQing for when at home.

Find out how you can help cut out grass fires on the KFRS’s website.

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