Warmer weather prompts reminder to stay safe when enjoying the countryside

As we approach the Easter bank holiday weekend, we want to remind people to take care when out enjoying the countryside.

The #BeMoorAware campaign is being used across several organisations and fire services to share advice on staying safe in the countryside and preventing wildfires. Moorland fires take up a huge amount of time and resources for crews, and even small wildfires can cause a lot of damage to the environment. Please remember:

• Never take a barbecue on the moors or to the countryside.
• Never start a fire of any kind – a fire in the open can easily get out of control.
• Always extinguish your cigarette and any other smoking materials properly. Never throw your cigarette butt out of your car window - it could ruin whole fields of crops.
• Dispose of rubbish correctly – sunlight shining on glass bottles can start a fire.
• If you see a fire in the countryside, leave the area and call 999 as soon as possible giving a rough size of the fire and a What 3 Words location reference.
• If you witness illegal activity, report it to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
• Follow the countryside code and respect our countryside.

With the warmer weather approaching, we also want to remind people to be safe around open water. Never be tempted to jump into or swim in open water, Cold Water Shock can kill even strong swimmers, and under water currents can be deadly. If you’re enjoying a night out over the weekend, don’t walk home alongside water, find a better route and make sure your friends get home safely too.

For more information on staying safe in the countryside and around open water, you can visit the GMFRS website and follow @manchesterfire on social media.

14/04/2022 13:44 PM