As the summer sun beams down on Dorset, many residents are eager to embrace the great outdoors.
Camping, a quintessentially British tradition, offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature. However, it is important to remember that this enjoyable activity also comes with its own set of risks.
Whether you are setting up a tent, revving up your caravan, or planning a day out exploring, it is essential to arm yourself with some safety advice before stepping out into the wild. The Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, as part of their “Fire Kills” campaign, offers a range of safety tips to ensure your outdoor adventures are both safe and enjoyable.
Staying safe in tents
When it comes to tents, certain precautions can make all the difference. Ensure a minimum of 6 metres spacing between tents and caravans, and keep them away from parked cars to minimise the risk of fire spreading.
Smoking inside tents is a strict no-no, and candles should be swapped for safer alternatives like torches. Cooking appliances should be kept away from tent walls, and cooking inside a small tent or near flammable materials or long grass should be avoided. If a fire does break out, knowing how to escape by cutting your way out of the tent is crucial.
Remember the “stop, drop and roll” technique if clothing catches fire.
Keeping caravans safe
Caravan users must also adhere to safety practices. It is crucial to fit and regularly test a smoke alarm in your caravan. Careful cooking practices, such as not leaving pans unattended and turning off all appliances before leaving or going to bed, are vital.
Smoking should never be done in bed, and clothes should not be dried over the stove. Removing any litter and rubbish near the caravan reduces the risk of fire spreading.
To avoid a build-up of carbon monoxide, ensure the caravan is properly ventilated, and air vents are not blocked.
Open fire safety
Open fires, while a camping classic, must be handled with utmost caution. If you must have an open fire, ensure it is downwind and at least 10 metres from the tent. Clear dry vegetation and form a circle of earth around the fire. The fire should be built in a way that it collapses inwards while burning, and should never be left unattended. Always make sure that fires are fully extinguished after use.
What to do in the event of a fire
In the event of a fire, call the local fire and rescue service immediately, providing them with the exact location, or a map reference, or use the What3Words app. If this is not possible, a landmark such as a farm or pub will help them locate you​1​. Should you discover a fire, do not attempt to investigate. Leave the area as quickly as possible and call 999. Do not return unless the fire and rescue service confirms it is safe to do so.
A long hot summer is what we hope for. However, like many changes in activity, it can bring risks. If you’re intending to take out your tent, ready your rucksack or get your caravan back on the road, you should go armed with some safety advice before heading for the great outdoors.
It may all sound a bit daunting, but it needn’t be, most of this advice is common sense. From time to time, we all need reminders; so, enjoy the countryside and your recreation and be safe.
Jim Weston, Group Manager
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