Fire service warning on moorland blazes

Date published: 20/05/2008

Firefighters are preparing themselves for the summer increase in grass and moorland blazes — and warning the public to take care.

Assistant County Fire Officer Kieran Nolan said: “At this time of year any period of dry and sunny weather can result in higher numbers of grass fires, which have caused large-scale incidents.

“This can result in firefighters and control operators dealing with large numbers of incidents and having to make those calls which are of risk to life and property a priority.

“Please bear this in mind when on moorland or grassland and take extra care with anything which may cause a fire.

“It is too easy to attribute all these types of fire to the dry conditions we see at various times of the year.

“The fact is that some of these fires are started deliberately.

“As a consequence fire crews are needlessly tied up at minor incidents which could cause a delay in crews attending a real emergency where lives and property are in danger.

“Parents should warn their children of the dangers of starting these types of fire.”