Camping and fire safety

​Be carbon monoxide (CO) aware when camping

Never take a lit or smouldering barbecue into a tent or caravan.  The charcoal from a barbecue emits poisonous carbon monoxide, which is odourless and colourless, for a long time after you have finished cooking.

Ideally keep barbecues down-wind and well clear of tents to ensure that the fumes do not build up in nearby tents.

Caravans, boats and mobile homes are also at risk because portable appliances that use bottled fuels such as liquid petroleum gas, paraffin or kerosene are often used for heating and cooking. Barbecues, gas and charcoal all emit poisonous CO. Never use them  indoors or within tents during camping.

Remember vehicle engine or generator exhaust gases can also contain high levels of CO.

Carbon monoxide (CO) awareness

Camping and fire safety

• set up tents at least six metres apart and away from parked cars
• make sure you know what the fire safety arrangements are on the campsite and where the nearest telephone is
• don’t use oil-burning appliances like lanterns or candles in or near a tent – use a torch instead
• never smoke inside a tent
• place your cooking area well away from the tent
• keep your cooking area clear of items that catch fire easily (‘flammable’ items) including long, dry grass
• put cooking appliances in a place where they can’t easily be knocked over
• keep matches, lighters, flammable liquids and gas cylinders out of the reach of children
• have an escape plan and be prepared to cut your way out of your tent if there is a fire

What should I do if I have a fire while camping?

Remember these two simple tips:

• get everyone out straight away – fires in tents can spread very quickly
• call the Fire and Rescue Service and give a map reference if possible – provide a landmark like a farm or pub to help them find you

Reduce the risk of wildfires

Dry ground in the summer means there is the added risk of a fire starting, but you should take care at all times of the year.  Follow these tips to reduce the chance of a wildfire in the countryside:

• extinguish cigarettes properly and don’t throw cigarette ends on the ground – take your litter home
• never throw cigarette ends out of the car window
• avoid using open fires in the countryside
• don’t leave bottles or glass in woodland – sunlight shining through glass can start fires
• only use barbecues in a suitable and safe area and never leave them unattended
• if you see a fire in the countryside, call the Fire and Rescue Service immediately
• don’t attempt to tackle a fire that can’t be put out with a bucket of water – leave the area as quickly as possible