More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Firefighters tackled a cornfield fire yesterday as Kent faces a heatwave.
Crews headed to Shrubbery Road, in Dartford, just before 5pm to tackle the blaze.
The fire was extinguished in just under an hour and there were no reported casualties.
The cause is unknown at this stage.
Leanne MacMahon, group manager for community safety at the fire service, gave a warning about grassfires as temperatures increase.
She said: “Last year, Kent Fire and Rescue Service responded to almost 700 grassfires. With extremely high temperatures predicted for this week, we would like to remind everyone in the community to take extra precautions in order to keep safe and help us prevent fires that can often occur during a heatwave.
"For those who smoke, remember it only takes one cigarette to start a wildfire – so please ensure you always fully extinguish smoking materials before safely disposing of them. Evidence suggests that many of our attendances to large grassfires and crop fires result from the careless disposal of smoking materials.
"If you discover a fire, move to a safe place and call the fire service on 999 immediately..." Leanne MacMahon
"We also advise you to not have campfires in the countryside and to take any litter or rubbish with you, as reflective cans and glass can easily start a fire in the sun.
"If you do discover a fire, move to a safe place and call the fire service on 999 immediately, providing as much detail as you can, including the size of fire, the exact location (including road or property names) and terrain.
"Never tackle the fire, as fires can be extremely unpredictable and spread incredibly fast in this heat.
"It’s only natural in this weather to also want to be outside, enjoying a barbecue with friends, but it’s so important to take real care and manage them carefully.
"Keep them away from trees, buildings, sheds and shrubs, and always keep a large bucket of water on-hand in case of an emergency. Use only recognised fire-lighters or starter fuel for barbecues, braziers, fire pits or chimineas, and never leave them unattended.
"Once you’ve finished with it – ensure it has completely cooled and never put the ashes straight into a dustbin or wheelie bin, since this could easily start a fire.”
