Warning over grass fire dangers

SOARING temperatures have increased the risk of grass fires – prompting a safety warning from fire bosses.

Humberside Fire And Rescue is urging residents to be careful in the hot weather when it comes to putting out cigarettes and having barbeques.

Their warning comes after they were called to a grass fire along the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway on Kings Road, thought to be caused by a spark from the track which landed in a pile of dry grass.

Within seconds, the blaze had spread by metres and chalet owners ran over the bank to help railway staff beat out the fire.

Railway owner Chris Shaw, pictured, who is the leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, said: "The flames took hold really quickly, although it was a hot day, there was also a brisk wind, which fanned the flames.

"My crew are trained and they managed to contain it quickly. There was no danger to the day chalets, but it was quite a high- intensity fire."

Thankfully they managed to stop it spreading any further while firefighters made their way to the scene at 2.55pm on Saturday. The grass along the bank, had recently been cut, providing dry kindling to feed the fire – which firefighters say can be a huge risk at this time of year.

A Humberside Fire and Rescue spokesperson said: "It is great to enjoy the nice weather, however, people should be aware how easily grass can set alight.

"A carelessly disgarded cigarette or a spark from a barbeque can easily start a grass fire.

"We would urge people to carefully consider how they dispose of cigarettes and where they have a barbeque.

"By following some simple tips you can enjoy the weather and being outdoors and reduce the risk of starting such a fire."

Temperatures are set to reach between 21 and 23 degrees this Friday.

But Mr Shaw – whose business has reeped the benefits of the glorious sunny weather – is confident his staff are more than capable of putting out any future fires.

Every member of his crew will carry beaters, similar to those used by firefighters, and he put on extra staff on Sunday to clear the bank of dry grass cuttings.

Mr Shaw continued: "Fires and steam railways aren't something new, it is just something that happens. We don't think there should be another one.

"We would normally deal with it ourselves but staff thought it was safer to have fire crews attend. When in doubt we always err on the side of caution. These last few weeks have been fantastic for trade and its going to get better. We have Cleethorpes Carnival this Saturday and the Festival Of Flight next weekend. We have major events coming up, so what we have to do is adapt to this exciting influx of visitors."