As the UK continues to experience hot spells, anyone planning a summer picnic is being urged by animal welfare experts not to leave any rubbish behind. The RSPCA has issued a warning highlighting how everyday litter can spark devastating wildfires, especially as grasslands and woodlands become tinder-dry in the prolonged heat.
The charity’s alert is not limited to users of disposable barbecues or open flames; it also emphasises the risk posed by items such as discarded glass. Sunlight passing through a glass bottle can quickly ignite dry vegetation, potentially causing large-scale fires. This means that even something as simple as a glass drink bottle brought for lunch could inadvertently trigger a blaze.
In a recent Facebook update, the RSPCA described the increased vulnerability of heathlands, forests and grasslands during heatwaves, noting that wildfires cause severe damage to these habitats and place wildlife at great risk. Many animals are unable to escape once flames take hold, making responsible behaviour crucial.
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The charity urges the public to avoid using disposable barbecues or lighting open flames in dry conditions and to ensure no litter is left behind. “Items like glass can quickly trigger flames,” the RSPCA stated. They also encourage immediate reporting of any signs of fire or smoke to emergency services.
To support displaced wildlife struggling to survive without their usual food and shelter, people are asked to provide water and shelter where possible.
Similarly, North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service shared a warning last month stressing the dangers of discarded glass in hot, dry weather. Their Facebook post reminded people that a glass bottle left behind could spark a disaster by focusing sunlight enough to ignite dry grass and vegetation, endangering people, wildlife, homes, farmland and emergency responders.
They advised countryside visitors to take all litter home, avoid disposable barbecues and campfires, properly extinguish cigarettes and matches, and park in a manner that allows fire engines and emergency vehicles to pass easily. In the event of seeing a fire, people are urged to call 999 immediately. To report deliberate fire-setting or suspicious activity, calls should be made to 101 for non-emergencies or anonymously to FireStoppers on 0800 169 5558.
If you encounter a wildfire, the advice is to move to a safe location away from vegetation and smoke while awaiting emergency assistance. Vehicle occupants should close windows and vents. Emergency services request that callers provide as accurate a location as possible to facilitate a swift response.