Countryside and fire safety
General fire safety
- always keep bonfires away from buildings, fields, dry grass and woodstacks.
- keep a torch to hand in case of a power cut – they’re much safer than candles.
- if you do use candles, always use a secure holder or candle stick.
- be sure your barbecue is safely burnt out before leaving or moving it.
Open or real fires
- clean chimneys regularly.
- only use seasoned wood or dry coal.
- use a fire guard and close the doors of woodburners when leaving a room.
- Find more information on our Chimneys and open fires, and Heating and fires page
Thatched roofs
- Chinese lanterns and fireworks can be released or set off at any time of year. If you notice any signs of them in the air, keep a regular eye on your roof and check it for signs of smouldering.
- buy a spark guard for your chimney to prevent large embers from blowing up from the grate and onto the roof.
- Find more information on our Fire safety in thatched properties pages
Electrical wiring
- The older your property is, the more likely it is to be at risk from electrical fires. For more information contact a licensed and registered electrician.
- Find out more on our Electrical safety page
If you do have an emergency
- Call us on 999
- Fires spread quickly and every bit of help you can give us when you call will make a real difference:
- be very clear about why there is an emergency.
- be as specific as possible about how many people are at risk.
- give good directions to the fire and describe any useful landmarks, for example: "You'll pass the post office on your left and you need to turn left down an unmarked road 400 yards later..."
- tell us of any house name as well as the numbers - every bit of information can help.
- stand outside to meet the fire engine. Wave to make it clear to the driver the site of the fire, using a torch if it's dark.
Fire hydrants
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Fire hydrants are covered by a plate in the road and marked by a post at the roadside. You can learn more on our Fire hydrant page
Help keep your community safe – let us know about:
- damaged/missing and covered hydrant covers, posts and indicator plates
- visible leaks coming from fire hydrants or the water network
- illegal use and interference with hydrants
- parking around hydrants - it’s an offence to obstruct a fire hydrant
- open water - please notify or update us regarding any new or existing large water sources (such as swimming pools) in your area
Call us on 01622 692121 extension 2391 or email water.services@kent.fire-uk.org