Public Warned Over Heat Wave Fires

• News
• Published: 03 Jul 2009 in Household and Home Insurance

Council leaders have warned that rising temperatures increase the risk of wildfires burning parks, gardens and properties - and sending home insurance premiums up in smoke.

In 2003, fire crews attended 100,000 more outdoor fires than the previous year as temperatures peaked at an all-time high of 38.8C (100.9F).

The Local Government Association (LGA) said that the heatwave could cause grassy areas to become a serious fire risk if they dried out.

The LGA urged people to put litter in bins, as loose rubbish can act as a fuel for fire, with glass bottles also producing a magnifying glass effect to spark a blaze.

Smokers are advised not to throw cigarette ends on the ground or out of car windows.

Councillor Paul Bettison, chairman of the LGA Environment Board, said: "Drier conditions mean that when fires do start, they are going to be more dangerous and difficult to put out. People need to be alert to the increased risks and what they can do to prevent a fire from starting.

"Local parks and beauty spots could be destroyed and people's homes left at serious risk from fires."