Safety warning following furze fire

24 July 2013

​Following their rapid response to a furze fire on Gorey Common yesterday (23 July), the Fire and Rescue Service have issued a public safety announcement urging Islanders to take care when disposing of barbecues or cigarettes or lighting bonfires.

As temperatures rise and the hedgerows and furze become dry, there is a higher risk of fires starting. When a wildfire occurs in the countryside, the implications for the Fire and Rescue Service are huge. Incidents of this type require the service to commit large numbers of resources often for days at a time.

Prevent fires by following these guidelines

• Never throw cigarette ends out of car window - they could start a fire, endanger wildlife and ruin surrounding countryside.
• Don’t leave bottles or glass in woodlands, as sunlight shining through glass can start a fire. Take them home or put them in a waste or recycling bin.

If you discover a fire

• Do not be tempted to investigate.
• Leave the area as quickly as possible and call the Fire and Rescue Service.
• Do not return unless the Fire and Rescue Service tells you it is safe to do so.