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>Firefighters urge caution during dry spell

With the warm, dry weather set to continue Norfolk County Council's Fire and Rescue Service is appealing to people to exercise caution and stay safe this summer.

The past few days have seen a rise in the number of grass and forestry fires across the county and with temperatures predicted to rise again over the next couple of days people are being asked to take care, especially in the countryside.

Area Manager Stuart Horth, from Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Our message is simple; we live in a beautiful, scenic county which is there to be enjoyed, especially in the sunny weather, but please follow our advice and stay safe this summer. We are currently experiencing a hot, dry spell which we are all making the most of. We have though seen a rise in the number of fires in grassland and forestry, most accidental but some unfortunately deliberate.

What may start as a small fire will quickly spread when conditions are this dry. I would ask people to please be vigilant and careful over the coming days and to follow our basic advice."

As well as issuing general safety advice about being careful with matches, barbecues, and discarded cigarettes fire officers are asking people to please be aware of the following:

* Don't have a bonfire of any size during extremely dry periods. This is particularly important in rural areas.

* If you see a fire please ring 999 and ask for the fire and rescue service even for a small fire, it can very soon spread and get out of control. Even when we are very busy we are never too busy to answer your call..

* For anyone working on the land it is essential to have at least one tested fire extinguisher preferably water on your vehicle and that you know how to use it. If possible have a water bowser, slurry tanker or sprayer nearby when harvesting or baling.

* Do not fill your fuel tank completely full during hot weather. Fuel must have room to expand.

* Anyone planning to use fireworks, or Chinese lanterns is asked to exercise extreme caution in the current conditions as a stray firework or lantern is an obvious hazard.

* Dispose of glass bottles carefully because they can magnify the suns rays and set light to dry grass etc

Harry Humphrey, Cabinet Member for Fire and Rescue, said: "Public safety remains our top priority and I would urge people to follow the advice from our fire officers and take care this summer. These are simple things we can all do to make sure we stay safe, especially when we are out enjoying our wonderful countryside."

Find further fire safety advice and information on this site.

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