Number of outdoor fires increases by 50 per cent in East Sussex

East Sussex Fire & Rescue said crews have attended 48 outdoor fires in the first two weeks of April this year.

This includes fires caused by chimineas, which are used for outdoor heating, and discarded barbecues.

The service is concerned this rise could be due to the lifting of lockdown restrictions and more people wanting to enjoy socially distanced activities outside.

Dry conditions mean fires can start quickly if people don’t keep an eye on them, the service warned.

In the UK, 1,700 farm buildings and 66,000 acres of grassland are destroyed by fires every year.

The service has released the following tips to prevent outdoor fires:

• Avoid using open fires in the countryside.

• Sunlight shining through glass can start large fires – take glass bottles/jars home or put them in a waste or recycling bin.

• Keep young children and ball games away from barbecues.

• Extinguish cigarettes and other smoking materials properly.

• Only use barbecues in suitable and safe areas and never leave them unattended.

• Ensure your barbecue is fully extinguished and cold before disposing of the contents.

• Obey safety signs.

Further information is available at: https://www.esfrs.org/your-safety/safer-homes/countryside/