Fire Safety this Summer

A Message to Parents and Carers

We have received increasing reports of children and young people lighting fires in the nearby communities. Whilst curiosity about fire is not unusual, some recent incidents have resulted in fires growing beyond what was intended, putting people, property, wildlife, and local green spaces at risk.

We are asking all parents and carers to take a few minutes to speak with their children and young people about fire safety. Even a small fire can spread quickly, particularly during dry weather, and what may begin as a game or experiment can have serious consequences.

We would also encourage families to talk about online safety and social media influences. Many young people are exposed to videos, dares, challenges, and trends online every day. Some of these can appear exciting or harmless but may involve significant risk. Taking an interest in what your child is watching, who they follow, and the content they engage with can help start important conversations about making safe choices.

Some questions you might ask include:

What apps and social media platforms are you using?

Have you seen any online challenges recently?

Do you know how to tell whether a challenge is safe?

What would you do if a friend encouraged you to take part in something risky?

Do you know what to do if a fire gets out of control?

Our message is not about blaming young people. Most children and young people make good choices when they have the information and support they need. By working together as families, communities, and organisations, we can help keep everyone safe.

 

At MASKK, we’ve been using our Forest School sessions to help children learn about fire in a safe, responsible way. During the colder months, we often enjoy small campfires as part of our activities, giving children the opportunity to learn about fire safety, risk assessment, and respect for the environment. Recently, we have been talking with children about why we are not lighting fires during the current dry conditions. Even a well-managed fire can present a risk when the ground, grass, and surrounding environment are so dry, and that is not a risk we are prepared to take. We will reintroduce fire-based activities when weather conditions improve, and it is safe to do so. By modelling responsible decision-making, we hope to help children understand that enjoying fire safely also means knowing when not to light one.

 

If you have concerns about fire-setting behaviour or online content that may be influencing young people, please speak to your child and seek support early where needed.

Let’s work together to keep our community safe, protect our parks and open spaces, and help young people make positive choices both online and offline.

 

A poster with the key messages: Think Before You Light It Even a small fire can quickly get out of control. Protect Our Parks & Green Spaces One careless fire can damage wildlife, trees, and community spaces. Talk About Fire Safety at Home A simple conversation can prevent a serious incident. Not Every Online Challenge Is Safe Encourage children to question what they see online before copying it. We All Have a Role to Play Working together helps keep our community safe for everyone.

Learn More About Online Safety

Do you know what your child is watching, sharing, and talking about online? Social media trends can spread quickly, and not all challenges are safe. Taking an interest in your child’s online world and having regular, open conversations can help them make safer choices. Read our blog to learn more about online safety, spotting risky trends, and how to start positive conversations at home.

 

Visit the NSPCC here