Reducing the chance of starting a wildfire
Because the ground is so dry in the summer, the risk of starting a fire then is bigger - but you should follow these tips all year round.
Gorse - or furze - is an evergreen shrub, but it can catch fire easily and burn very quickly. We have lots of patches of gorse around Jersey which means these areas are especially at risk.
Barbecues and bonfires
Plan carefully by following these tips:
don't make open fires in the countryside
only use barbecues in a safe area, away from areas of gorse and heathland
never leave a fire or barbecue unattended
throw away barbecue ashes carefully
have a bucket of water or sand near your barbecue for emergencies
don't use a bonfire to get rid of garden rubbish (take it to Bellozanne Gate 15)
Bellozanne opening hours and recycling facilities (environment and greener living section)
Rubbish and litter
When you're out in the countryside:
- don’t leave bottles or glass in the countryside (sunlight on glass can start fires)
- take your litter home
Cigarettes and smoking
You should never:
drop matches or cigarettes in the countryside (take them away with you to dispose of later)
throw cigarette ends out a car window
smoke or use any naked flames near gorse or heathland
What to do if you see a wildfire
If you see a fire in the countryside, you should:
- call the Fire and Rescue Service immediately
- don’t try to tackle a fire (unless it can be put out with a bucket of water)
- leave the area as quickly as possible
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