Councillor Barry Aspinell asks residents to remember fire safety in the current heatwave

Last week, Essex County Fire & Rescue Service attended over 570 incidents across the county in their busiest week in four years; many of these were wildfires, including here in the borough. 

Sadly, some of these were started deliberately. On Thursday night, Green Watch from Brentwood Fire Station attended a deliberate fire at Larkins Playing Field, in his Pilgrims Hatch ward.

Aspinell explained: “For those who don’t know my background, I’m a retired firefighter with more than 20 years of service. A service I am very proud of. This summer takes me right back to the heatwave and drought in 1976. A summer which saw dried river beds, near-empty reservoirs and queues of people waiting their turn to collect water from standpipes.” 

“As a firefighter, it was relentless - it was a full-on summer of trying to keep the public safe from wildfires spreading to residential areas and protecting parks and woodlands,” he added.

Councillor Aspinell said that residents should support the current Fire Service, noting “Just a single spark or ember can ignite a swift fire, especially amid dry crops and vegetation”

He added that the Fire Service advises everyone to steer clear of fireworks, bonfires, and disposable barbecues. Additionally, residents can help by reporting fires immediately to 999 and downloading the free what3words app, which helps emergency services pinpoint their location if necessary.

During the school holidays, the Fire Service often sees an increase in deliberate fires started by children and young people. These fires can spread quickly, putting lives, wildlife and property at risk.

Councillor Aspinell said support for parents was available if children develop a fascination with fire, are carrying matches or lighters, come home smelling of smoke, or parents are worried about their behaviour around fire.

He said: “Essex County Fire & Rescue Service run a Fire Safety Intervention Scheme, a free programme for young people,” which provides education and guidance to help prevent fire-setting behaviour before it becomes a bigger problem. Please reach out to them if you are concerned about your child.

Let’s help keep each other safe.

Councillor Barry Aspinell

The Leader of the Council wrote to residents about fire safety in a recent newsletter, an abridged version of which is included here.