Key safety advice for your Easter holidays

As the long weekend approaches, the fire service is reminding everyone to stay vigilant to the potential risks in self-catered accommodation and around barbeques, bonfires and smoking cigarettes.

Dan Moss, area manager for prevention and protection at Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, said: “We know a lot of people from across the East Midlands will be spending their Easter weekend in Lincolnshire, especially in caravans, lodges, and apartments across our East coast.

“Our advice for anyone staying in holiday accommodation is to not make any assumptions. When you arrive, before putting the kettle on, take a minute or two to think about fire safety.

“Make sure there’s a smoke detector and test it to make sure it’s working. Check which windows open far enough for you to get out of if needed, and clear anything blocking an escape route. Look for a fire extinguisher, or fire blanket, in case of small fires, and that they are easily reachable if you need them.

“Fire safety is just as important on holiday as it is at home, so if there are any issues, you should contact the accommodation owner straight away.”

Caravan safety advice:

• Check your caravan has a working smoke alarm and test it regularly.
• If you smoke, use metal ashtrays and never smoke in bed or if you are likely to fall asleep.
• Ensure that air vents are clear.
• Turn off all appliances before you leave the caravan or go to bed.
• When cooking, do not leave any pans unattended.
• Find out the firefighting arrangements on the camp site.
• Remove any litter and rubbish near the caravan to reduce the risk of fire spreading.
• Caravan sites can be spread over a large area, so apps like What3Words or the GPS co-ordinates on your phone can help emergency crews get to you as soon as possible.
• Gas cylinders should be kept outside the caravan. Gas cylinders should be turned off unless they are designed to run continuously, and you should only change the bottle when they are completely empty.
• Never use fuel-burning devices inside the caravan (e.g. disposable barbecues, camping stoves, camping heaters, lanterns, and charcoal grills).

Community fire safety advocates have been out on the coast this Easter, sharing safety advice with holidaymakers and residents in all weathers

Dan Moss continued: “Across the holidays, we’ve seen several avoidable fires started by disposable barbeques and bonfires. While we hope the weather’s warm over the Easter weekend, it’s crucial everyone remains mindful of potential fire risks to prevent incidents.

“Anything hot like cigarette ends, disposable barbeques or ashes should be disposed of very carefully, as they need to be completely cool before they are binned. On windy days, bonfires and their embers can easily spread and get out of control, so only have one if the conditions are still.

“Litter in general can also create big problems. Glass bottles and jars left behind in dry grass or vegetation can start fires by refracting sunlight, with additional litter making it easier for fires to spread rapidly.

“Ultimately, when we’re called out to these avoidable fires, it ties up our resources that may be needed urgently elsewhere.”

Barbequing safely:

• Never leave a barbeque unattended.
• Ensure the barbeque is on a flat site, well away from a shed, fence, trees or shrubs.
• Keep children, garden games and pets well away from the cooking area.
• Keep a bucket of water, sand or a garden hose nearby for emergencies.
• Always avoid alcohol if you are in charge of a barbecue - it can affect your co-ordination and judgement. 
• Ensure the barbeque is cool before attempting to move it and do not dispose of ashes from barbecues until they are cold.

Outdoor fires:

• Avoid using open fires in the countryside.
• Never throw cigarette ends out of car windows.
• Sunlight shining through glass can start large fires - take glass bottles/jars home or put them in a bin.
• Only have a bonfire if the conditions are still, ensuring you leave enough room from fences, trees, hedges and sheds, and don’t leave it unattended.
• Never use petrol or paraffin to start a bonfire and only burn dry materials.
• Embers from bonfires can quickly spread and get out of control. Keep water or sand nearby and make sure bonfires are fully extinguished.
• If you spot a fire in the open call 999 straight away, an early call could mean the difference between a small, easily controllable fire and something more devastating.

Keep up to date with Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue’s other safety advice at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/home-fire-safety.