Firefighters urge people to act responsibly ahead of weather warning

As the UK prepares for record-breaking temperatures later this week, firefighters in Greater Manchester are urging people to act responsibly and enjoy the warmer weather safely.

It comes after fire crews from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) spent the night tackling two moorland fires in Oldham and Bolton on Monday 11 July.

Ten fire engines from stations across Greater Manchester were called to a fire near Dovestone Reservoir in Oldham and quickly brought the fire under control.

 

 

Earlier, in Bolton, crews used two hose reels to extinguish a fire caused by a disposable barbecue on a grass area near Wilton Quarry in Bolton.

Water Manager for GMFRS, Station Manager Alex Sugden said: “Every year, fires destroy countryside and wildlife across Greater Manchester and they are often caused by carelessness. We urge people enjoying the countryside to please never bring a barbecue. Fires on moorland can be incredibly dangerous, causing huge disruption to local communities, and taking up the time of our fire crews who may be needed for other serious incidents.”

GMFRS is also issuing a reminder about the dangers of jumping into or swimming in open water as part of its annual water safety campaign. The campaign shares heart-breaking stories of family members and friends who have lost loved ones in accidental drownings, to help prevent similar incidents from happening.

GMFRS firefighters have been called to 41 fatal water incidents in the last five years, and sadly a number of those were young people who got into difficulty after jumping or swimming in open water on hot days across Greater Manchester.

With more people likely to be out near water during the latest spell of hot weather, everybody is urged to be vigilant to the dangers of drowning, especially parents with children.

People are being warned particularly of the risk of cold-water shock, which is one of the biggest causes of drowning. Even strong and confident swimmers can struggle and drown after jumping into cold and unpredictable seas, rivers, canals and lakes where temperatures can be as low as 15C in the summer - half that of typical swimming pools heated to 30C. 

The warning comes ahead of the second annual World Drowning Prevention Day on 25 July. This year’s theme is ‘Do one thing to prevent drowning’ and encourages people to share safety advice, take swimming lessons and support local downing prevention groups and charities.

Area Manager and Head of Prevention at GMFRS, Billy Fenwick, said: “Unfortunately we see tragic incidents of accidental drownings when the weather is warmer, as people attempt to cool off in open water.

“We are urging people to never be tempted to jump into any open water or swim in open water where it is not an organised event – it may be warm outside, but the water is not. Cold Water Shock can kill even strong swimmers and there is also the risk of dangers lurking beneath the surface which may cause drowning.”

Banners have been put up in locations of accidental drownings, paying tribute to those who’ve died and reminding people to not enter the water. GMFRS officers have also been visiting schools to talk to young people about staying safe around water.

Councillor Nesil Caliskan, Chair of the LGA’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board, said: “In a heatwave, one of the first things people do is flock to their local bathing spot to cool off and what might look like a safe place to take a dip or have a swim could in fact be a danger.

“Councils want to make sure everyone is safe around water, which is why we are urging people to follow our advice to be careful and vigilant to the dangers.

“Our advice is to brush up on your water safety skills and always swim in water that is clearly marked as safe and under the control of a lifeguard. Swimming in unknown water could lead to tragic consequences.”

Area Manager Fenwick added: “We continue to visit schools to share water safety messages through our Safe4Summer campaign, and I’d encourage parents and carers of young people to also speak to them about the dangers of open water, to be water aware and to respect the water.”

To find out more about GMFRS’ water safety or #BeMoorAware moorland fire prevention campaigns, visit the GMFRS website.

You can also follow #WaterSafety #DrowningPrevention and #BeWaterAware on social media @manchesterfire.