Latest news with #outdoorfires
CTV News
18 hours ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Two massive grass fires rage in Ontario's cottage country
Officials say that while evacuation orders are not currently on the table, a ban on outdoor fires is in place. Rahim Ladhani has more on the response.
BBC News
4 days ago
- Climate
- BBC News
Shropshire crews called to four outdoor fires in one day
Fire crews in Shropshire were called to four outdoor fires across the county in the space of just a few Wem, a hedge caught fire at about 10:00 BST after a bonfire accidentally spread. Meanwhile, in Telford an area of grass caught alight, but was put out before 11:00, Shropshire Fire and Rescue fire engines were then sent to Whitchurch at about 13:00 after a 100m (328ft) hedge caught fire after another bonfire got out of control.A campfire left unattended in Bridgnorth also led to a fire crew being called out at about 14:20 with the incident safely dealt with by 15:30, the service said. Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
BBC News
7 days ago
- Climate
- BBC News
Increase in outdoor fires in Surrey leads to renewed warning
A fire service has said it has seen a 200% increase in outdoor fires it has responded to compared to the same time last Fire & Rescue Service was called to 120 outdoor fires in June a result, the service has renewed its warning to residents to be aware and help prevent wildfires."We are encouraging residents to swap barbeques for picnics this season," a spokesperson said. They added: "The wider campaign, running all summer, aims to highlight wildfire risks in open spaces and how simple actions can help keep Surrey prepared."Outdoor fires can start easily and spread quickly, and unfortunately, many are caused by barbecues that haven't been properly extinguished."A wildfire on Hankley Common in July is estimated to have destroyed 2.6 hectares of common land, the service at Valley Wood Place, near Chobham Common, damaged one hectare of land – roughly the size of two football to the public offered by the service to prevent outdoor fires includes:Avoid burning garden waste or starting bonfiresDispose of cigarettes properlyLeave the area if you spot a fire and call 999.
CBC
22-07-2025
- Climate
- CBC
'Is your campfire worth risking somebody's life?' Firefighters urge people to stop breaking fire ban
Firefighters are urging people to stop lighting outdoor fires, as wildfires rage across Newfoundland and Labrador and the province remains under a fire ban. "I was surprised at how many people still decided to light a fire," said Duane Antle, president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire Services. Outdoor fires have been banned since July 11. But departments are still getting multiple calls about backyard fires and other risky actions, Antle said — like flicking cigarette butts out car windows, or driving an ATV through tall grass. With everything so dry, he said, those behaviours can pose a real risk. On Monday, the City of St. John's said its fire department responded to 14 brush fires since Friday, six of which were backyard fires or campfires. "This is unacceptable and deeply concerning," said a city statement. With people losing their homes and evacuating, "I can't understand why someone would even take it in their head that [lighting a fire] would be OK to do," Antle said. People might think they're far away from the forest, he said, but sparks and debris can travel "a long ways and re-ignite another fire." Even on a rocky beach, there's always the danger of sparks travelling, he said. Plus, people are watching and might start thinking, "why can't I have a fire?" "That's when people start to maybe make unreasonable decisions." Fines of $1,000 If you're caught breaking the fire ban, you could be fined at least $1,000. Enforcement officers are doing regular patrols and are always available to respond to complaints, says the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture. The fire ban applies to anywhere within 300 metres — or five hockey rinks — of land with trees of any size. That's not just forests, says the department, but also things like yards, parks, and paths. In his 30-year career, Antle says he's never seen anything like this wildfire season. Evacuations used to be so rare, he said, but this year it's "every couple of weeks." "It's scary," he said. For firefighters on the ground, it's a dangerous environment. Antle notes the fire ban does seem to be "sinking in" for people, and he's urging residents to report any illegal fires to local fire departments or police. The Forestry Department says people can report by calling 1-877-820-0999 or visiting
BBC News
11-07-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
Increase in outdoor fires due to hot weather, says fire service
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue service said its crews had seen an increase in outdoor fires this year in comparison with previous service said by early June this year its crews had tackled about three times the number of outdoor fires compared with the same point in warned if the trend continued, it could be a "very demanding summer" for its are being asked to take litter home with them - to "leave no trace" - to prevent further fires. 'Elevated risk' Group commander for Exeter Ben Williams said the service wants to encourage people to get outside and enjoy the sunshine but do so safely."We are asking people to picnic rather than barbecues, no camping fires and take your litter home," he said."We are asking people to leave no trace behind you and absolutely don't leave a fire behind." With the amber heat health warning for the weekend, Mr Williams said there was an "element of elevated risk" if a fire was to occur because there was a larger risk for the firefighters in the high temperatures. "For everyone's benefit, we are just asking people to take a little more care when they are out and together," added Mr tackled a barley field fire in Kennford, Devon, on consumed the entire field of 25 acres, said Mr Williams. He added that the fire service had identified two major risk factors that come with the increase in warmer and drier summers - wildfires and flooding, both of which would continue to challenge the service now and in the future."We will continue to adapt to deal with those new challenges," he said.
