FIRE SAFETY OUTDOORS - Gov.uk

FIRE SAFETY
OUTDOORS

Did you know?

• A fire can destroy a tent in less than
60 seconds.

• In England, on average 27,000 fires
are started on grass, heathland and
moorland every year. This is an average
of 73 fires every day!

• On average 360 fires per year occur
in caravans.

• 5 0,000 fires occur in refuse and rubbish
containers (including wheelie bins and
skips) each year.

Fire safety doesn’t stop when you leave the house.
This leaflet will help to keep you safe whilst enjoying
the outdoors.

2

Countryside safety

Avoid open fires in the • D on’t attempt to tackle fires
countryside. Always have that can’t be put out with a
them in safe, designated bucket of water – leave the
areas. area as soon as possible.

• Put out cigarettes and other • N ever throw cigarette ends out
smoking materials properly of car windows – they could
before you leave your vehicle. start a fire and ruin surrounding
countryside.
• Don’t leave bottles or glass in
woodlands. Sunlight shining The Countryside Code
through glass can start a fire. contains further advice.
Take them home or put them For more information
in a waste or recycling bin. visit www.gov.uk/
government/organisations/
• If you see a fire in the natural-england
countryside, report it
immediately.

Avoid open fires 3
in the countryside

Barbecue safety

Keep a bucket of water, • Use enough charcoal to cover
sand or a garden hose the base of the barbecue, but
nearby for emergencies. not more (normally around
5cms or 2 inches).
• F ollow the safety instructions
provided with disposable • Keep children, pets and
barbecues. Never use a garden games away from
barbecue indoors or in a tent. the cooking area.

• Never leave a lit barbecue • A fter cooking, make sure
unattended. the barbecue is cool before
moving it.
• Make sure your barbecue is
well away from sheds, fences, • Empty ashes onto bare garden
trees, shrubs or garden waste. soil, not into dustbins or
wheelie bins. If they’re hot,
• In the countryside or public they can melt the plastic and
park areas, only use disposable cause a fire.
barbecues where there are
specially designated areas • E njoy yourself, but don’t drink
and carefully follow the safety too much alcohol if you are
guidance. in charge of the barbecue.

Never use petrol or
paraffin to start or revive
your barbecue; use only
recognised lighters or
starter fuels on cold coals.

Always keep
4 water nearby

Gas barbecues • A fter cooking, turn the gas
supply off first and then the
Never store gas cylinders barbecue control. This will
under the stairs – if there is stop any gas from leaking.
a fire they might explode
and block your escape route. • If you suspect a leak, turn
off the gas cylinder and try
• Store gas cylinders outside, brushing soapy water around
away from direct sunlight all joints, watching for bubbles.
and frost.
• M ake sure all joints are
• T ake care when turning bottled tightened, safe and secure.
gas barbecues on and off.
• C hange gas cylinders outdoors
• Make sure the tap is turned or in a well ventilated area.
off before changing the gas
cylinder.

Never store 5
gas cylinders
under the stairs

Camping and
caravanning safety

Ensure caravans and tents • O nly change gas cylinders
are at least six metres apart when they’re completely
and away from parked cars, empty and store them away
to reduce the risk of fire from caravans and vehicles.
spreading.
• Make sure the gas pipe
• K eep a torch handy for connection is secure. If you
emergencies – never use suspect a leak, turn off the
lighted candles. main cylinder valve.

• Make sure you know • N ever smoke whilst changing
the campsite’s fire safety your gas.
arrangements and check where 
the nearest telephone is. What to do if there is a fire

Using gas cylinders • Keep calm and get everyone
out as quickly as you can.
• Don’t use petrol or paraffin
to light a solid fuel stove. • Call the fire and rescue service
and give the exact location.
• Keep flammable liquids (such as Give a map reference if
petrol and gas cylinders) outside possible, or give a landmark
and away from children. such as a farm or pub.

Keep 6 metres
6 apart

Staying in a tent Staying in a caravan

Never use candles in or near • Fit and test a smoke alarm
a tent – torches are safer. in your caravan.

• K eep cooking appliances away • T ake special care when cooking
from the tent walls as they – don’t leave pans unattended.
could easily set alight.
• T urn off all appliances before
• N ever cook inside a small tent. you go out or to bed.

• Don’t cook near flammable • M ake sure ashtrays are made
materials or long grass, they of a material that can’t burn –
can set alight easily. and never smoke in bed.

• M ake sure you know how to • Don’t dry clothes over
escape by cutting your way out the stove.
of the tent if there is a fire.
• R emove any litter and rubbish
• Make sure everyone knows near the caravan to reduce
how to put out clothing that’s the risk of fire spreading.
on fire – stop, drop and roll.
• M ake sure the caravan is
• D on’t smoke inside tents. ventilated, and never block air
vents, to avoid a build up of
poisonous gases.

Consider keeping a
fire extinguisher by the
entrance, but always read
the instructions before
using it.

Never use 7
candles in tents

To find out more about the Countryside Code, visit ISBN 978-1409846024
www.gov.uk/government/organisations/natural-
england

For more information on general fire safety visit
www.facebook.com/firekills

FS077 ©Crown Copyright 2015.
Published by Communities and Local Government, March 2015.
Printed on paper comprising no less than 75% post-consumer waste.
Version 3