Fire service issues advice to people in Calderdale to “enjoy the sun safely” as week of warm weather continues
People in Calderdale are being warned of the increased risk of serious incidents as the week of warm weather continues.
Temperatures surpassing 30 degrees are forecast to last until Friday in Calderdale, with the Met Office currently predicting highs of 33 degrees on Thursday and Friday.
No weather warnings have been issued for the borough, although an amber warning for extreme heat is due to come into force for Manchester and Leeds on Wednesday and Thursday.
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) have warned people in Calderdale of the increased risk of serious incidents that the warmer weather can bring, and has issued advice for people to stay safe.
The advice included urging people not to swim in open water to cool off — as this can be fatal — and to avoid taking any naked flames onto the moors, such as cigarettes and BBQs, because of the increased risk of moorland fires.
District Commander for Calderdale Andy Rose said “We want people to enjoy the beautiful countryside around West Yorkshire – but we want them to do so safely.
“Warmer weather increases the risk of behaviour that can lead to serious incidents.
“Firstly, we’d ask people not to be tempted to enter open water to cool off as this can be fatal.
“Please swim in designated swimming areas. If you do find yourself in trouble, then float on your back – and don’t be tempted to try and rescue someone in the water – call 999 and ask for fire and rescue.
“Another big issue we see in the warm weather is an increased risk of moorland fires.
“We’d like to remind everyone not to take any naked flames onto our moors, including things like cigarettes and BBQs.
“Take a picnic instead and make sure you take rubbish home afterwards – glass bottles can reflect the sunlight and cause fires too.
“Again, if you spot anyone with something like a BBQ on our moorland call 999 and ask for WYFRS so we can go and sort it out.
“Finally warmer weather can see people outside enjoying their gardens more but we’d ask people to be careful there too.
“Things like not leaving children unsupervised in paddling pools, not BBQing too close to fences or hedges, and being careful to dispose of lit cigarettes properly are all small tips that can allow us to enjoy the sun safely.”