Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service issues safety reminder amid heatwaves

Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service (DFRS) is reissuing a call for people to act sensibly and stay safe during heatwaves.

With the sunshine having continued and with more heatwaves forecast, the Service is reminding people to take extra care and follow advice amid renewed concerns the weather could cause a rise in emergency incidents across the county.

DFRS Prevention Manager, Kay Simcox, said: “We know many people will be firing up the barbecue at home or heading out to enjoy the beautiful Derbyshire countryside. 

“However, warmer weather can often lead to a rise in incidents involving barbecues, garden fires, open water, and wildfires.  

“By taking just a few minutes to read and follow our simple safety tips, everyone can help reduce the risk of emergencies and make the most of the sunshine safely.” 

Water Safety  

• No matter how warm it is, resist the urge to swim or jump into open water such as quarries, lakes, reservoirs, and rivers.       
• Cold water shock can cause muscle cramps and breathing difficulties and quickly lead to drowning.  
• Hidden debris and rocks can cause you to get trapped.  
• Float to Live – if you do find yourself in difficulty in the water, float to live. If you can’t swim to safety, float on your back with your arms and legs out like a star and shout for help.  
• Never enter the water to help someone else in difficulty. Call 999 immediately. 

In July 2021, Thando Ndlovu drowned in the River Trent while swimming with friends near Swarkestone Bridge.  

DFRS worked with the 15-year-old's parents to produce a video titled 'Thando's Story' to raise awareness of the dangers of jumping or swimming in any open water, something that may seem enticing during the hot weather, but can have catastrophic consequences.

Controlled burns/Bonfires 

• Site fires on bare earth, away from dry grass/vegetation that can easily catch fire. 
• Keep fires away from overhanging trees/shrubs and away from sheds, garages, the home and any pet enclosures. 
• Never light your fire with petrol, paraffin or any other accelerant. 
• Keep a bucket of water, sand or hose pipe nearby in case of an emergency.  
• Consider an alternative way of disposing of your rubbish.  

Barbecue Safety 

• Keep the barbecue away from overhanging trees/shrubs and away from sheds, garages, the home and any pet enclosures. 
• Never use petrol or accelerants to light the barbecue. 
• If using a disposable barbecue, place it on a hard, fire proof surface – never on dry grass. 
• Place hot coals onto bare earth to cool down and never put them into a wheelie bin, or other bin that could catch fire. Consider the safe disposal of one-use barbecues. 
• Keep a bucket of water or hose pipe on hand in case of an emergency. 

Fire Safety in the Open 
DFRS officials ask that people remain aware of our countryside and follow the below advice:  

• Don’t throw/discard cigarettes out of car windows. Ensure they are extinguished and disposed of properly. 
• Don’t leave glass bottles lying around – the sun can magnify through the glass causing a fire.  
• Don’t take portable BBQs or gas stoves into the countryside/moorlands. Portable barbecues are banned in many areas of the Peak District – pack a picnic instead.  
• Take rubbish home or dispose of it responsibly.  

What to do if you see a fire in the countryside  
If you spot an uncontrolled fire in the open countryside, or you see large volumes of smoke call 999, giving as much detail about the fire’s location as possible.  Do not put yourself at any risk by tackling a fire. 

Deliberate Fires 
Deliberate fires destroy communities as well as tie up our resources, preventing them from attending other life risk emergencies.   
If you see someone committing a crime relating to fire setting, please call 999. 

Alternatively, if you have information about a fire or known fire setting behaviour you can contact Derbyshire Police via any of the following contact points:

• Website – There are reporting tools at www.derbyshire.police.uk/
• Facebook – send a private message to the Derbyshire Constabulary Facebook page
• X (Twitter) – direct message the contact centre via @DerPolContact
• Phone – call the non-emergency number 101

You can also anonymously contact the independent charity CrimeStoppers, on 0800 555 111, or by visiting the CrimeStoppers website.