Firefighters tackled a grass and peat fire on Friday morning to at Overton Hill Memorial Field.
Fortunately the Town Council’s Estates Manager detected the fire and immediately alerted the Fire Service. A crew from Runcorn extinguished the fire, which covered an area of around 20 square metres. Thanks to all concerned in dealing with the incident so quickly.
The current heatwave greatly increases the risk of grass fires. Cheshire Fire and Rescue has issued advice on how to ensure people and the countryside stays safe from the effects of fire.
Wildfires
- Be careful not to drop a match or smouldering cigarette in the countryside at any time of year. Dispose of cigarettes and matches carefully and responsibly
Open Fires
- When camping in the countryside, if you must have an open fire:
- Camp fires should be set downwind
- Do not leave fires unattended
- Make sure that fires are fully extinguished after use
Grass and forest fires spread rapidly
- Never throw cigarette ends out of car window – they could start a fire and ruin surrounding countryside
- Don’t leave bottles or glass in woodlands. Sunlight shining through glass can start a fire. Take them home or put them in a waste or recycling bin
Barbeques
- Take care to follow any local rules about using barbecues in the countryside.
- Never leave a barbecue unattended
- Take great care when disposing of the ashes
- Always keep a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergencies
If a fire should breakout:
- Call the fire and rescue service and give the exact location
- If necessary give a map reference. If this is not possible a landmark such as a farm or pub etc, will help us to locate you
If you discover a fire:
- Do not be tempted to investigate
- Leave the area as quickly as possible and ring for the fire and rescue service
- Do not return unless the fire and rescue service tells you that it is safe to do so
