Firefighters urge people to do their bit to prevent grass fires
09 June 2026
Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) is reminding people to take extra precautions this summer to help reduce the risk of an accidental grass fire.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) is urging people to be responsible and take extra precautions to reduce the number of accidental grass fires across Kent and Medway.
Grass fires can develop quickly, especially in the summer months when prolonged periods of dry weather are more likely.
These types of fires can have a devastating impact on the public and the environment, such as injuring or killing wildlife, destroying property and livelihoods, and even putting people’s lives at risk. And they often require significant fire service resources and time to bring under control.
Gary Miller, Station Manager and Wildfire Lead Officer at KFRS, said “Many of the grass fires we see start accidentally, with the most common causes being the incorrect disposal of smoking material and barbecues, and bonfires that have got out of control.
“It’s important for everyone to play their part this summer to help prevent these incidents from happening.
“At KFRS, we continuously prepare for grass fires and larger wildfires through regular training exercises and by using our new specialist off-road vehicles. Just last week, our crews attended Bedgebury Pinetum, where they practised wildfire firefighting tactics using this equipment.”
To help reduce the risk of a grass fire, people should:
- Dispose of smoking materials responsibly, making sure cigarettes are fully out and cooled before being put in a bin - do not drop them onto the ground, and consider using a portable ashtray
- If using a disposable barbecue, place it on a flat, non-flammable surface and only dispose of it once it’s cold
- Keep bonfires to a manageable size, built well clear of greenery and property, and supervised while burning.
- Avoid having bonfires when the Fire Severity Index is High or Severe, or in windy weather.
If you discover a grass fire, move to a safe place and call 999 immediately with as much detail as possible (size, terrain and location. What3Words is a useful app that can pinpoint your exact location).
As part of KFRS’ grass fire prevention campaign, the service will be sharing guidance on social media throughout the summer about how people can reduce the risk of a fire starting, as well as risk warnings when the Fire Severity Index (FSI) level is ‘Very High’ or ‘Severe’. The FSI helps the fire service and the public understand how severe a wildfire could become if one were to ignite in depending on weather conditions.
The FSI is hosted on Natural England and can be checked by anyone wanting to know the risk level in their area.
Gary added: “By working together, we can reduce the risk of grass fires and help keep Kent and Medway safer this summer.”
news 17-06-2026