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

  • 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