Release date: 7 July 2026
Fire service urges residents to stay safe as third heatwave brings increased wildfire and water safety risks
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is urging residents and visitors to take extra care outdoors as the South East prepares for the UK's third heatwave of the year.
An amber heat-health alert is in place from 9am on 8 July until 9pm on 12 July, with temperatures forecast to exceed 30°C across parts of the region.
The combination of soaring temperatures and prolonged dry weather significantly increases the risk of wildfires, which can spread rapidly and cause damage to homes, countryside, wildlife and local communities.
Help prevent wildfires
People can reduce the risk of accidentally starting a fire by:
- Leaving disposable barbecues to cool completely before dousing them with water and disposing of them safely.
- Fully extinguishing cigarettes and disposing of them responsibly.
- Keeping barbecues well away from trees, shrubs, fences and sheds, and placing them on a stable, flat surface.
- Keeping a bucket of water or sand nearby in case of emergency.
- Keeping glass bottles, mirrors and other reflective objects out of direct sunlight.
- Taking litter home and disposing of waste responsibly.
- Choosing a picnic instead of a barbecue where possible.
- Moving to a place of safety and calling 999 immediately if a fire is discovered.
Stay safe around water
The fire service is also reminding people to take care around the county's coastline, rivers, lakes and other open water locations.
While warm weather encourages more people to head to the water, drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death in the UK To stay safe:
- Visit lifeguarded beaches whenever possible and be aware of rip currents.
- Avoid entering the water after drinking alcohol or eating a large meal.
- Make sure someone remains on shore with access to a mobile phone and knows where you are.
- Enter the water slowly to reduce the risk of cold-water shock.
- If you experience the effects of cold-water shock, try to control your breathing and float on your back.
Nathan Cross, Head of Prevention at West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, said: "We want everyone to enjoy the warm weather safely and make the most of West Sussex's beautiful outdoor spaces.
"However, it only takes one careless action for a wildfire to start. With the ground and vegetation already very dry, fires can spread quickly and put people, properties, wildlife and our firefighters at risk.
"We are asking everyone to think carefully about their actions and help us protect our countryside and communities during the heatwave.
"We're also urging people to take water safety seriously. Tragically, every summer we see lives lost when people get into difficulty in open water. Understanding what to do if you experience cold-water shock could save your life or someone else's, so please take a few minutes to watch the RNLI's Float to Live video and share it with family and friends."
For more seasonal safety advice, visit our summer safety page.
