NIFRS Turning Up the Heat on Summer Safety

Mark Smyth, Group Commander, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service said:

“Summertime carries with it a real set of dangers and NIFRS wants everyone to enjoy their summer but not to become complacent about their fire safety or general safety if they are on holidays or away from their usual routine.

“If you are, camping, caravanning, boating or enjoying the countryside ensure you, and the people you are with, know what to do in the event of an emergency.

“If you happen to be in the vicinity of water, act responsibly and take all the basic safety precautions. Be aware that swimming in a river, lake, or the ocean is different from swimming in a pool. You need more energy to handle the currents and other changing conditions. Pay attention to any warning signs posted in the area and never, ever swim in a disused quarry – it may look inviting but the water is very cold and often filled with hidden obstacles.”

NIFRS is also making a fresh appeal for everyone to recognise the very serious consequences that deliberate fire setting in the countryside can have on the Fire & Rescue Service and the whole community.

NIFRS Group Commander Mark Smyth continued: “Often the dry conditions, like we have seen in recent weeks, can lead to an increase in the number of gorse fires we attend. Sadly, the majority of these are started deliberately and I am asking the whole community to be vigilant over the coming months for anyone starting fires deliberately and any suspicious behaviour should be reported to the police immediately.

“Gorse fires can also be caused accidentally by something as simple as throwing a cigarette from a car window, leaving a glass bottle on the ground or not extinguishing a barbeque properly. Your seemingly innocent mistake could well cause a severe gorse fire that destroys acres of countryside and ties up firefighting resources for prolonged periods.

“The Fire & Rescue Service doesn’t want your summer to be affected by fire or tragedy – take simple fire safety steps, act responsibly, remain vigilant to danger and help us in our work protecting our community.”

Further information on summer fire safety and summer safety advice can be found on www.nifrs.org or visit NIFRS on Facebook www.facebook.com/NIFRSOFFICIAL or follow @nifrsofficial on Twitter.