Warnings issued as reports of fires soar amid heatwave

Emergency services say that fires are on the increase in Bristol as a fresh summer heatwave looms.

The number of fire calls responded to by Temple Fire station in the summer months has increased by nearly a fifth in the last year, according to Avon Fire and Rescue.

Firefighters have battled numerous blazes in our city, from a barbecue-sparked fire on the Downs to an incident in Horton in south Gloucestershire on Monday. They said a combine harvester and surrounding field caught alight.

A person and two dogs were rescued from a house fire on Downton Road, Knowle, on the same day, attracting crews from Hicks Gate, Southmead, Temple and Bedminster.

?INCIDENT: We’re currently responding to a property fire on Downton Road in #Knowle, #Bristol.

?Please avoid the area where possible to allow emergency services to access the scene. pic.twitter.com/jeWCepCxGQ

— Avon Fire & Rescue Service (@AvonFireRescue) August 9, 2022

The surge comes as the Met Office has issued a four-day amber warning for extreme temperatures in parts of England and Wales.

The warning, for Thursday to Sunday, comes as the forecaster predicted 32C in places in Bristol.

Forecasters said there was a risk of “exceptional” fires for pockets of England as the week goes on.

There have been months of low rain that has left the countryside, urban parks and gardens tinder-dry, increasing the risk of wildfires.

The vulnerable are likely to experience adverse health effects, while the wider population could also be affected, the alert said.

? Amber extreme heat warning issued ?

Extreme heat warning issued across parts of England and Wales

Thursday 0000 – Sunday 2359

Latest info ? https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs

Stay #WeatherAware⚠️ pic.twitter.com/L3p9rFqxfk

— Met Office (@metoffice) August 9, 2022

Avon Fire and Rescue said that the extreme heat is a strong factor in the increased fires in Bristol, and advised against the deliberate lighting of fires – including barbecues.

A spokesperson said: “Between June and August 2021, crews from Temple fire station responded to 421 fire calls. In the same period this year (June to August 2022), Temple crews have been to 490 fire calls.

“This increase in over 70 fires will have been influenced by many things but the severe heat that the area has experienced this year is definitely a contributing factor.”

“As part of our ongoing work to reduce the risks of fire within our communities, we’re encouraging everyone to complete a home fire safety check online.

“This is a free, easy to use service that takes just 15 minutes to complete. The online tool can then provide the user with personalised fire safety advice, and help them to reduce their risk.

“Above all, we strongly discourage the lighting of any deliberate fires during times of extreme heat. Heat sources such as barbecues, bonfires and campfires can ignite dry grass or hay and cause serious damage and injury.”

Main photo: Avon Fire and Rescue

Read more: Urges to ban barbecues as part of Downs goes up in flames

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