17 May, 2018
SNH advice: Enjoy the outdoors, but take care around campfires and barbeques
Scottish Natural Heritage has advice this spring to help visitors to the countryside protect against the risk of fire.
People should be particularly careful with campfires, cigarette disposal, and throw-away barbecues, says SNH.
There is currently a fire danger warning in place in the north east, south east and central Scotland, with very high fire danger conditions from 16 to 24 May.
Mark Wrightham, SNH’s Recreation & Tourism Manager, said:
“It’s great news that the recent warm, dry weather is encouraging more people to get out and about and enjoy our beautiful Scottish countryside. But it’s important to bear in mind that fires can spread quickly in these conditions and do lasting damage to nature and wildlife.
“In this weather, we advise people to be careful when lighting fires, or consider using a camping stove instead. Be particularly cautious when disposing of cigarettes – even a cigarette butt can easily start a wildfire.
“One of the biggest risks is disposable barbecues. These should be taken away and disposed of safely in a bin. You may think the barbecue’s no longer a risk, but the lingering heat could cause vegetation to smoulder and catch fire.
“A few simple tips can make all the difference in making sure as many people as possible can enjoy our countryside safely.”
SNH’s advice is:
- Whenever possible, use a stove rather than light an open fire. If you do light one, keep it small and under control, and remove all traces before leaving. Avoid lighting them during prolonged dry periods or in forests, woods, farmland, peaty ground or near to buildings as fires that get out of control can cause major damage.
- When using a disposable barbeque, put it on a heat-proof surface, such as sand or stones before you light it. Make sure the barbeque is cold before you take it away with the rest of your rubbish.
- Dispose of cigarette butts in bins.
More advice is available from the Scottish Outdoor Access Code at www.outdooraccess-scotland.com
ENDS
MEDIA QUERIES
For more information, contact SNH media relations & PR officer, Vicki Mowat, on 0131 316 2659 or 07917 071 543 or vicki.mowat@snh.gov.uk or the main SNH press office on 01463 725 022.
Pictures: download pictures from link below; please credit SNH/Lorne Gill.
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Notes to editors
Scottish Natural Heritage is the government's adviser on all aspects of nature and landscape across Scotland. Our role is to help everyone understand, value and enjoy Scotland's nature now and in the future. For more information, visit our website at www.nature.scot . SNH media is also now on Twitter at www.twitter.com/nature_scot
NatureScot is Scotland's nature agency. We work to enhance our natural environment in Scotland and inspire everyone to care more about it. Our priority is a nature-rich future for Scotland and an effective response to the climate emergency. For more information, visit our website at www.nature.scot or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/nature_scot
’S e NatureScot buidheann nàdair na h-Alba. Bidh sinn a’ neartachadh àrainneachd na h-Alba agus a’ brosnachadh dhaoine gu barrachd suim a chur ann an nàdar. Tha e mar phrìomhachas againn gum bi nàdar na h-Alba beairteach agus gun dèilig sinn gu h-èifeachdach le èiginn na gnàth-shìde. Tha an tuilleadh fiosrachaidh aig www.nature.scot no air Twitter aig https://twitter.com/nature_scot
