Kent Fire and Rescue urge people to watch out for wildfires
The fire service are urging public caution with flammable items
Kent Fire and Rescue Service has reported an increase in grass fires across the county, with over 30 incidents occurring in recent days, largely driven by ongoing dry weather conditions.
Tom Edwards, Area Manager for Operational Services at Kent Fire and Rescue, shared advice on what to do when confronted by outdoor fires, speaking to Greatest Hits and Hits Radio Kent he said: "With all fires, getting us there as quickly as possible, or informing us as quickly as possible is key.
"I would encourage everyone to call 999 as soon as possible when they see any type of fire.
"But in, say, current conditions with the very dry weather, It's very much around awareness.
"Wildfire has a very set definition and that's generally the size of the fire, but all of these fires start off as small fires.
"So we encourage everyone to call 999 as soon as possible and ask for the fire service giving us as much information about where that fire is,.
"That can be particularly difficult with outdoor fires because they don't necessarily have an address in the same way.
"So if people are able to give us as much information in terms of roadd names, locations, landmarks, there are also some really useful apps that people can have on their phones, one called What 3 Words, which gives a very precise location of where someone is calling from and pass that information on to the control operator they speak to."
In an effort to manage and prevent wildfires, the fire service is focusing on increasing public awareness and advocating for precautionary measures.
These include ensuring barbecues are placed on non-flammable surfaces, avoiding bonfires unless necessary, and being mindful of embers near long grass or crops.
Edwards added:
"It is around being really aware of the dry conditions and then thinking about control of barbecues.
"So if you're using a disposable BBQ, make sure they're on a hard non-flammable surface and that they're properly extinguished and disposed of.
"Also, be really aware at this time of year of things like bonfires. So don't have a bonfire unless you absolutely have to at this time of year, making sure that bonfires are not near overhanging vegetation, near long grass, etc. And again, being aware of your environment.
"If there are embers coming from a fire, be mindful of where they might go, especially in the countryside where you may have crops nearby, etc."
Other contributing factors to accidental fires include improper disposal of smoking materials, with roadside verges and hedges particularly susceptible, and littering, where discarded glass can magnify sunlight and ignite a fire.
Fireworks also pose a risk, especially when used without consideration for their landing spots.
With Kent's abundant farmland, Edwards highlighted the need for farmers to be vigilant, particularly during harvesting season, to reduce accidental fires.
Collaborating with local farmers and the National Farmers Union, the fire service aims to raise awareness and decrease fire risks on farmland.
Kent Fire and Rescue is enhancing its response to these emerging challenges by updating equipment and resources, urging the public to play their part in fire prevention.