Published 11 July 2025
Fire Chiefs issue urgent public safety advice as heatwave increases risk of wildfires and drowning

Urgent public safety advice concerning wildfires and water safety is being issued by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) ahead of the weekend, with temperatures expected to continue to rise. The advice also follows the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issuing an Amber heat alert for large parts of England.
With heatwaves already taking place across the UK, NFCC is urging caution amongst members of the public when enjoying the outdoors in a bid to prevent incidents of wildfires and the risk of drowning.
Amongst the advice, people are being urged to avoid using disposable barbecues in the countryside and in parks, and to ensure that they are careful not to discard cigarettes, matches or glass bottles as these can ignite dry vegetation.
Members of the public are also being urged to take care when in, on or around water. NFCC is urging people not to enter the water in a bid to cool down and urging parents and caregivers to ensure children are supervised around water at all times. As air temperatures rise, water remains cold and many people are unaware of the associated risks of entering the water, such as cold water shock which can affect the ability to swim and lead to drowning.
National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Chair, Phil Garrigan, said:
“We are urging people to take simple but vital safety precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones during this period of hot, dry weather.
“Our experience tells us that wildfires can start in an instant and escalate rapidly. That’s why we’re asking everyone to stay alert and act responsibly. Avoid using disposable barbecues in parks or open countryside, never discard cigarettes or glass bottles, and always follow local fire safety guidance. If you spot signs of fire call 999 immediately.
“Fire and rescue services have already responded to hundreds of wildfires this year and continue to show outstanding dedication under increasing pressure. But prevention is everyone’s responsibility. It only takes one careless action to start a fire, putting people, animals, and homes at risk. Nobody wants that.
“Enjoy the sun, but please remain vigilant and please consider the wider implications of any careless action.
“And it’s not just the risk of wildfire that concerns us at this time – we also want to remind everyone to take extra care around water during the warmer months. Many drownings happen when people didn’t intend to enter the water, whilst many people are completely caught off guard by just how cold it is.
“It might be warm, but the water is often freezing cold, putting the body into cold water shock.
“If you see someone in difficulty, call 999, encourage them to float, and throw something that floats to help.”
Wildfires Public Safety Advice:
- Avoid using disposable barbecues in open countryside, parks, and moorland areas.
- Do not discard cigarettes, matches, or glass bottles, as they can ignite dry vegetation.
- Follow local authority guidance on fire risks and restrictions.
- If you notice any suspicious behaviour or see someone intentionally starting a fire, contact the Police immediately or report the information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. If there is a fire, call 999 immediately.
- Report any signs of fire immediately by calling 999 and asking for the Fire and Rescue Service.
Water Safety Public Safety Advice:
- Take care when near water – in 2023 37% of people who drowned were running or walking and had no intention of entering the water
- Do not jump into water to cool off
- Ensure you actively supervise children in and near water
- Do not enter the water if you have been drinking alcohol
Make sure you know how to help yourself and other people in the event of a water-related emergency.
If you see someone else in trouble in the water this summer, remember Call, Tell, Throw:
- Call 999 to get help
- Tell the struggling person to float on their back
- Throw them something that floats
If you find yourself in trouble in the water, Float to Live by:
- Tilting your head back with ears submerged
- Relaxing – to try to control your breathing
- Moving your hands to help stay afloat
- Once over the initial shock, calling for help or swimming to safety
ENDS
Notes
- In June, National Resilience data showed that the number of wildfire incidents responded to by Fire and Rescue Services in England and Wales had already passed the 500 mark this year – reaching 564 by 19th June, which was more than double the number for the same period in 2022 (277) which went on to be a record year for wildfires.
- Recent research, including that conducted by the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) and by Bournemouth University, shows the association between air temperature and the risk of accidental drowning. When the air temperature is 25°C or above the risk of accidental drowning is five times higher than when compared to days with an average temperature of 10°C, and every year there is a spike in drownings during hot weather.
- NFCC’s StayWise education platform has resources for children and young people on staying safe around water.
- The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) is a charity and an independent membership association and the professional voice of the UK Fire and Rescue Service. NFCC supports fire and rescue services to help them to save lives and keep their local communities safe.