The fire service has issued a warning about using barbeques on moorland and swimming in open water ahead of more hot weather this week.
An amber 'extreme heat' weather warning has been issued for Sunday and Monday, with temperatures on both days set to reach up to 30C in Greater Manchester. Ahead of the sunny weather, fire chiefs have urged people to act 'responsibly' following a number of blazes earlier this week.
Crews tackled a fire near Dovestone Reservoir on Sunday evening (July 10) as the region basked in warm temperatures. On Monday night, 10 fire engines were scrambled to the popular beauty spot again after another blaze ripped through woodland nearby.
READ MORE: Greater Manchester to bake in record-breaking temperatures as 'danger to life' warnings issued
Crews were also called to a grass area near Wilton Quarry in Bolton on Monday after a disposable barbeque caused a fire. Water manager for GMFRS and station manager Alex Sugden said these fires on grassland or moorland are often caused by 'carelessness'.
He said: "Every year, fires destroy countryside and wildlife across Greater Manchester and they are often caused by carelessness. We urge people enjoying the countryside to please never bring a barbecue.
"Fires on moorland can be incredibly dangerous, causing huge disruption to local communities, and taking up the time of our fire crews who may be needed for other serious incidents." The fire service has also urged people to remember the dangers of jumping or swimming in open water.
Over the last five years, firefighters in our region have been called to 41 fatal water incidents. Many of those were young people who got into difficultly after jumping into open water on hot days, the fire service said.
Area manager and head of prevention at GMFRS, Billy Fenwick, said: "Unfortunately we see tragic incidents of accidental drownings when the weather is warmer, as people attempt to cool off in open water. We are urging people to never be tempted to jump into any open water or swim in open water where it is not an organised event – it may be warm outside, but the water is not.
"Cold Water Shock can kill even strong swimmers and there is also the risk of dangers lurking beneath the surface which may cause drowning." Banner have been put up in locations where people have drowned, paying tribute and reminding people not to get into the water.
Mr Fenwick added: "We continue to visit schools to share water safety messages through our Safe4Summer campaign, and I’d encourage parents and carers of young people to also speak to them about the dangers of open water, to be water aware and to respect the water.”
More information on GMFRS' water safety campaign can be found here.
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