Firefighters issue warning after Dartford Heath fires

Fire crews are warning people to be careful following a number of bush fires on Dartford Heath.

There have already been 13 call-outs made to this area this year which is 11 more than the same time last year.

Phil Rice, Station manager in the Kent Fire and Rescue Service west group said: “When it is dry, warm and windy these fires can spread very quickly.  You only need a bit of wind or breeze and you can get caught out.  About six years ago, two firefighters got burnt on Dartford Heath when the wind changed and it blew back in their faces.”

Watch manager for Dartford Dave Read said: “These types of fires often need lots of resources and divert firefighters away from other incidents such as house fires or road crashes where lives may be in danger.  There are a number of ways in which people can help us, such as discarding cigarettes and rubbish carefully.  We’d also like to warn deliberate fire-setters that if they are caught, they face fines or several years in jail – possibly a life sentence if someone is killed as a result of their actions.”