Fire service urges vigilance as countryside becomes tinderbox
The prolonged spell of warm and dry weather across West Sussex has left grassland, heathland and woodland exceptionally vulnerable to wildfires, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service has warned. Crews say even small sources of heat can ignite dry vegetation and allow flames to spread rapidly, threatening people, property and wildlife.
Station manager Matt Gamblen, the service's wildfire tactical adviser, emphasised that preventing fires is the best defence. He told residents to exercise extra caution when visiting open spaces this summer and to follow straightforward precautions to reduce the risk of ignition.
“Our firefighters are prepared to respond when fires break out, but preventing a fire taking hold in the first place is always the best approach,”
Officials say the county is not experiencing the scale of wildfire activity seen in parts of southern Europe, but the local risk rises when hot, dry and windy conditions persist. They also warned that it can take only a single spark from discarded cigarettes, disposable barbecues, campfires or machinery to cause extensive damage.
Simple steps residents can take
Fire crews have highlighted a number of practical measures everyone can follow to reduce the chance of a fire starting or spreading:
- Do not use disposable barbecues in parks, woodland or on dry grass.
- Extinguish and dispose of smoking materials responsibly — do not drop cigarettes or leave them on the ground.
- Take litter and glass bottles home rather than leaving them in open spaces, as glass can focus sunlight and start fires.
- Avoid campfires and open flames while conditions remain hot and dry.
- Do not park vehicles on dry grass — hot exhausts can ignite vegetation beneath.
Wildfires can cause widespread harm to wildlife habitats, place nearby homes at risk and put additional pressure on emergency services at a time when resources may already be stretched. The fire service stresses that rapid spread is common in dry grass and scrub, making early detection and immediate reporting vital.
What to do if you see a fire
If you discover a fire or see smoke in the countryside, call the emergency services straight away and give clear details of the location. If it is safe to do so, move people and animals away from the area, but do not attempt to tackle large blazes yourself.
| Risk factor | Advice |
|---|---|
| Disposable barbecues | Avoid in open spaces |
| Discarded smoking materials | Extinguish fully and dispose of safely |
| Glass bottles | Take home to prevent sun focusing |
As summer continues, the service said it is monitoring weather conditions and working with partners, landowners and local authorities to prepare for periods of increased risk. Residents and visitors are being asked to play their part by following the straightforward guidance and reporting incidents as soon as they are spotted.
Keeping the county and its countryside safe depends on small actions by many people — and on reporting concerns quickly so firefighters can respond before a small spark turns into a large, damaging blaze.
