Firefighters issue warning after spate of grass fires in Cumbria
Firefighters issue warning after spate of grass fires in Cumbria
03 April 2013
published by www.nwemail.co.uk
United Kingdom –FIREFIGHTERS have issued a warning after a spate of grass fires in Cumbria.
Since March 29 there have been more than 20 grass fires in the Allerdale and Copeland areas.
The extended period of cold, dry weather has left vegetation excessively dry making it easier to set alight.
The school holidays tend to lead to an increase in nuisance fires so the Easter break combined with the dry conditions is seeing the resources of Cumbria County Councils Fire and Rescue Service needlessly stretched.
Dealing with small, deliberate blazes means firefighters are tied up with avoidable incidents so may not be available to attend more serious emergencies.
Bruce Wilson, station manager at Maryport, Silloth and Aspatria fire stations, said: A small grass or gorse fire can rapidly spread and get out of control, putting property and even lives in danger.
Weve seen in Scotland over the past few days just how large and destructive these types of blazes can be so Id urge people of all ages to be vigilant about the dangers and to avoid lighting nuisance fires.
Playing with fire is never harmless fun and it easily has the potential to turn to tragedy.
Kevin Johnston, station manager at Whitehaven, Egremont, Seascale and Frizington, said: We work closely with the police and will seek to identify and prosecute anybody involved in lighting fires of this nature.
Parents and carers need to be aware – and make sure their children know – that grass and gorse fires can quickly trap the person lighting them, especially if theres a rapid change in wind direction.
Being repeatedly called out to these incidents also means we could be diverted away from more serious situations like road traffic collisions and larger blazes with possibly deadly consequences.
