Fire service tips for camping and glamping (From Mid Devon Star)

Fire service tips for camping and glamping

5:00pm Saturday 28th July 2012 in Cullompton

WITH the sunshine here at last, many people are taking the opportunity for a holiday under canvas. Whether camping or glamping more people than ever will be enjoying their first holiday in the great outdoors, enticed by the freedom, value and flexibility that it brings.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service are keen for everyone to fully enjoy their home away from home while also bearing some fire safety tips in mind.

Fire prevention while camping When you are going camping, follow these basic precautions to reduce the risk of fire starting and spreading. Remember, a fire can destroy a tent within 60 seconds so underlining the dangers is important:

• set up tents at least six meter’s apart and away from parked cars

• make sure you know what the fire safety arrangements are on the camp site and where the nearest telephone is

• don’t use oil-burning appliances, like lanterns, or candles in or near a tent – torches are safer

• don’t smoke inside a tent

• children can be curious about fire keep matches, lighters, flammable liquids and gas cylinders out of their reach and outside the tent

• place your cooking area well away from the tent in a place where they can’t easily be knocked over

• keep your cooking area clear of items that catch fire easily (‘flammable’ items) including long, dry grass

• never leave children unsupervised around the campfire

• if you're using a campfire or a barbecue, make sure that it is fully extinguished before you leave it or go to bed and that it's completely cold before you dispose of any of the ashes.