Wild Fire - Dartford Heath

Following message received from Dartford Borough Council -

Dartford Heath has suffered from an arson attack that has devastated local wildlife and undone some of the hard work that volunteers and our Countryside Team carry out all year round. The sad truth is that while dry weather is out of our control, heath fires are often entirely preventable.

On this occasion we have confirmed that the fire was set deliberately. While concerning, we're pleased to say that following partnership work with Kent Police, a suspect has been arrested on suspicion of arson.

In the past, Dartford Heath has suffered from large scale fires during the dry, summer months. That's why campfires and disposable barbecues are banned on the Heath.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service has advice on preventing fires during dry months, but the basics are simple. Make sure you follow this advice:

• Dispose of smoking materials responsibly, making sure cigarettes are fully out and cooled before being put in a bin - do not drop them onto the ground, and consider using a portable ashtray
• Do not litter. Broken glass bottles can act like a magnifying lens that warms the ground around it and sets the dry grassland alight.
• If you discover a grass fire, move to a safe place and call 999 immediately.
• While 101 or the live chat on Kent Police's website are great for reporting non-urgent suspicious activity, we would recommend dialing 999 if you spot a BBQ or have especially serious concerns, given current weather conditions.

Note - As with the Heath, under the Parish Council Bylaes, fires and BBQs are banned on any of the Council's Open Spaces (Oakfield Park, Wilmington Common and Chestnut Grove)