Countryside fires are wild fires
Scotland is a beautiful country. Its wide open spaces are yours to enjoy. But your carelessness could set your countryside ablaze.
Countryside fires are dangerous. It’s because they’re unpredictable. They can travel at amazing speeds. And they can change direction without warning.
Countryside fires can devastate thousands of hectares of land. They destroy forests and wildlife. And they kill people.
In Scotland, you’re free to roam in the countryside. Enjoy your natural heritage. Guard against fires that will destroy it.
Fires can cost lives
In hot weather, fire crews attend thousands of
countryside fires. Some are accidental. Some are
deliberate. They’re often avoidable. They always
mean that firefighters are not on watch for fires in
nearby towns and villages.
In case of fire
- Phone the fire and rescue service. Dial 999.
- Give the location of the fire as accurately as you can.
- Estimate the size of the area that’s burning.
- Describe the type of terrain (grass, bracken,
forest, open moorland etc).
Carry on camping
Camping is fun for all the family. Guard against fire and keep it that way. Tents are usually made of material that can easily catch fire:
- always space tents at least 6 metres (20 feet) apart
- never smoke in or near tents
- never use candles in or near tents
- never store or use flammable liquids in or near tents
- keep gas containers outside tents
- never use gas appliances in small tents
If you’re using gas appliances in larger tents:
- place them on a fireproof base, such as a flat stone
- place them well away from items that catch fire easily, such as sleeping bags and clothing
- place them clear of draughts
- place them where they cannot be knocked over consider having a portable fire extinguisher
Around the camp fire
Everyone enjoys picnics and barbecues. Make sure that only the sausages get burned:
- cook with a barbecue or stove rather than over an open fire cook downwind from any tents
- cook away from vegetation
- never leave hot embers – always drench with water or cover with soil.
If you must light an open fire:
- build it on a cleared earth site
- build it at least 10 metres (30 feet) downwind of any tent
- build it to collapse inward as it burns away
- never walk away from an open fire – not even for a few seconds
- keep a watch for sparks
- never leave hot ashes – always drench with water or cover with soil
It’s just common sense
- Always make sure you put out smoking materials
- Never leave bottles or broken glass – they
could start fires in sunlight
- Never play in hay/straw stacks
- Never light a fire in a wooded area or on peat
soil
- Never tackle a fire unless you feel you’re safe If you discover a fire, phone the fire and rescue service immediately, even if it looks like a small fire If you must light a fire, always make sure you’ve a clear escape route to safety
Controlled burning
Detailed advice and guidance on muirburning, straw burning and other controlled burning is
available from fire and rescue services, farmers’ and
landowners’ organisations, and Scottish
Natural Heritage (external site) . |
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