Fire Service gives camping safety advice
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service has launched its summer safety campaign to help everyone who lives, works and travels in Essex to stay safe this summer.
If you’re planning a camping trip this summer, the Service advises happy campers to use torches instead of candles and set up campfires and cooking areas well away from your tent.
Nick Singleton, Operational and Community Risk Manager for North Essex said: “If you’re planning to spend a night camping under the stars, please follow our advice to stay safe.
“We know summer has been a bit of a washout so far and if it does rain while you’re camping, please do not be tempted to bring your barbeque or cooking inside the tent. Not only is this a fire risk but the carbon monoxide that can build up could be fatal.
“If you’re trying to keep warm with a campfire, make sure to set it up well away from the tent and make sure it’s fully cooled down before you go to bed.
“Use a torch instead of a candle in and around your tent and don’t smoke inside the tent.”
Camping advice from Essex County Fire and Rescue service:
- Allow at least 6m spacing between tents and caravans
- Never use fuel-burning devices (e.g. disposable barbecues, camping stoves, camping heaters, lanterns, and charcoal grills) inside a tent
- Never use candles in or near a tent - torches are much safer
- Flammable liquids and Liquefied Petroleum Gas cylinders should be kept outside the tent
- Oil burning appliances are not recommended
- Never light a candle or have any other kind of flame burning apparatus in or near to a tent
- Cook outside and away from the tent
- Don't smoke inside the tent and keep any flammable material away from the cooking area
- Have an escape plan
For more camping safety advice, visit: www.essex-fire.gov.uk/camping
Page last updated 13 August, 2021