Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service need your help to prevent grass fires this summer

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service are calling on the county's young people and their parents to help prevent grass fires this summer.

It has issued advice to the public to ensure fires this summer are prevented to avoid damage to recreational areas, property and the potential endangerment of lives.

Grass and vegetation fires are overwhelmingly common in the summer months compared to the rest of the year, with 70% of these taking place from June to August alone.

In 2018, firefighters across the county dealt with 1,024 grass and vegetation fires.

And in the months spanning June to August, Notts Fire and Rescue Service dealt with more of these fires compared to the whole of 2017.

It is believed crews spend an average of 40 minutes dealing with each fire, which is the equivalent to one fire crew dealing with nothing but grass fires solidly for a whole month.

Now, Notts Fire and Rescue are spreading the word that #FiresAreNotFun and reminding Nottinghamshire's young people that the summer holiday should be one to remember for the right reasons.

It has issued the following advice to parents and children:

• Keep lighters and matches out of reach – fires are often fuelled by opportunity from these items being left lying around

• Giving in to peer pressure to set a fire is not cool – just because others might encourage, remember the consequences

• Although difficult over the summer – make sure your children are occupied, often, boredom can be a large factor in fire-setting

• If you are struggling for things to do over the summer holidays – check out Nottinghamshire County Council's website for events and activities for young people

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