Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 15/08/2006 09:46

Firefighters from St Austell were extremely busy dealing with fires relating to the dry weather conditions this weekend, including gorse.

They attended numerous accidental gorse fires on the cliffs at Charlestown on Saturday night. While the fire engines from St Austell were at these incidents a fire engine from Mevagissey had to go to a chip pan fire at Sylvan Close, St Austell where a lady was treated for burns.

On Sunday evening the firefighters from St Austell were called to an out of control bonfire in Sticker.

Guy Herrington, Orange Watch, St Austell said: “Many of these fires could be prevented if people follow some simple safety advice. They should:

• Extinguish smoking materials correctly
• Manage bonfires in a safe area, away from other flammable materials, with water close at hand
• Only use barbeques in suitable and safe areas and ensure its fully extinguished before discarding
• Ensure they correctly dispose of litter and other rubbish (sunlight shining through glass can cause fires)
• Ensure flammable materials are stored safely and kept away from heat and direct sunlight”
While a fire engine is attending a gorse fire, which may not be endangering life or property, it is not available to attend a fire which is. Gorse fires that are started maliciously are not only harming wildlife and the land, they are potentially delaying fire engines responding to life threatening fires.

In certain weather conditions (hot, dry weather or high winds) controlled burning can get out of hand. The fires can also have a destructive effect on different vegetation communities and animal species. Farmers should be aware of the weather conditions before starting a controlled burn and always contact fire control beforehand so the operators are aware of a fire in that area tel: (01872) 320205.

Any suspicious person(s) or activities should be reported to the police or Crimestoppers on freephone 0800 555111. Further information can be gained from our Fire Safety helpline freephone 0800 3581 999 or visit www.cornwall.gov.uk/fire”. If you see a fire report it immediately – dial 999.