Fire Safety
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
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:
