Don't start careless fires (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Don't start careless fires

3:51pm Thursday 8th May 2008 in

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PEOPLE are being warned to be extra careful not to start fires during the present warmer weather.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service says that dried out grass verges and hedgerows can easily catch light if people are careless with cigarettes or don't extinguish fires or barbecues properly.

Assistant Chief Officer Charlie House, Head of Community Safety, said: "During warmer weather grass and heathland fires can be serious problem for the Service and tie up a huge amount of our valuable firefighting resources.

"We want to encourage people to take care and think about what they're doing.

"For example, drivers should refrain from discarding cigarettes through car windows while driving along as this, combined with dry grass verges and hedgerows, can easily lead to fires."

He added: "Another major problem for us is children deliberately setting fires so, if you are a parent, we urge you to warn them of the dangers of fire, as well as keeping matches and lighters out of their reach."

Report any information on fire setting activities and those responsible (anonymously) to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.