Fire Safety

Know what to do

Knowing what to do in a fire and keeping a cool head could save your life and help you save others. Read advice from the experts on what to do if a fire breaks out.

Kitchen Fire Safety

Many house fires start in the kitchen. Find out how to keep yours safe in our section on kitchen fire safety.

Fire Safety Outdoors

Whether you're camping or caravanning, cruising our lochs and isles or just enjoying a barbecue, this section gives you essential information on protecting against fire.

Barbecues
Camp Fires
Tents
Caravans & Motor Homes

Barbecues

Cooking with a proper barbecue is safer than using an open fire but you still need to take care:

site barbecues in the open, well away from fences, bushes, trees and garden furniture
secure lighter fluids and blocks and put them away - well away - before lighting
never throw lighter fluid or any flammable liquid on a lit barbecue
if you're using a disposable barbecue, place it on a concrete or stone slab, not on the grass
never light a barbecue indoors or in a tent
coals remain hot for a long time and can start fires - douse with water when you're done

Camp Fires

Learning how to make and use a camp fire safely is an essential skill for anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors.

Make sure your camp fire stays safe:

always make sure you have a clear escape route to safety
build it on a cleared earth site for extra safety, dig a fire pit - fill it in before you leave
build it at least 10 metres (30 feet) downwind of any tent
build it to collapse inward as it burns away
never walk away from a camp fire, not even for a few seconds
keep a watch for sparks
never light a fire in a wooded area or on peat soil - the ground beneath could be set alight
never leave hot ashes, always drench with water or cover with soil

Tents

Camping is fun for all the family. Guard against fire and keep it that way.

Tents are usually made of material that can easily catch fire:

always space tents at least 6 metres (20 feet) apart
never smoke in or near tents
never use candles in or near tents
never store or use flammable liquids in or near tents
keep gas containers outside tents
never use gas appliances in small tents

If you're using gas appliances in larger tents:

place them on a fireproof base, such as a flat stone
place them well away from items that catch fire easily, such as sleeping bags and clothing
place them clear of draughts
place them where they cannot be knocked over
consider having a portable fire extinguisher to hand
consider having a fire blanket to hand

Further Information

For further information and advice on home fire safety, contact your local community fire and rescue service.

You can also download the following information leaflets: