Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging residents to take extra care during periods of dry weather, launching a renewed wildfire prevention campaign following a series of major grassland fires across the county in recent years.
The safety appeal comes after firefighters attended four major wildfires in Oxfordshire last year, three in 2024 and seven in 2023. Each of these incidents covered at least 10,000 square metres, while crews also responded to numerous smaller outdoor fires that had the potential to escalate into much larger emergencies.
With warmer weather increasing the risk of fire spreading rapidly through dry vegetation, Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service is reminding residents that even a small spark can ignite grass, shrubs or discarded litter, potentially putting lives, homes and wildlife at risk.
Deb Forder, Safety Manager for Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service, said residents can play a crucial role in preventing wildfires by following simple safety measures.
“Please be careful, act responsibly and follow our important safety guidance,” she said.
“If you’re going to be out and about in the countryside, please make sure you don’t discard your cigarette or throw it from your car; take your rubbish home as even something like a glass bottle can start a fire if it heats dry grassland by reflecting the sun’s rays.”
The fire service is also reminding people to take extra care when using barbecues during the summer months. Residents are advised to ensure barbecues are in good working order, check that gas connections are secure, place them on stable ground and keep them well away from combustible materials.
After cooking, gas cylinders should be properly turned off and charcoal or disposable barbecues allowed to cool completely before disposal. Fire officials recommend waiting at least 24 hours before placing used coals in a bin and stress that lit barbecues should never be left unattended.
The advice extends to garden bonfires, which can become dangerous if not managed carefully. The fire service recommends that any bonfire is positioned at least 18 metres away from houses, sheds, fences, hedges and trees.
Deb added: “Please don’t build your bonfire more than three metres in height and keep buckets of water or a working hosepipe nearby. Once your fire has died down, spray the embers with water to stop it from reigniting and keep a watchful eye to make sure it doesn’t flare up again.”
Alongside its wildfire prevention campaign, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service continues to promote water safety awareness amid concerns about people getting into difficulty in rivers, lakes and coastal locations during the warmer months.
Fire officials hope that by following straightforward safety advice, residents can help reduce the risk of preventable fires and ensure Oxfordshire’s countryside remains safe throughout the summer.
