Deliberate Outdoor Fires More Than Double In First Week Of Summer Holidays

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging residents to help protect their communities after a significant rise in deliberate outdoor fires across the county during the first week of the summer holidays.

Between 20 and 26 July 2026, firefighters attended 61 deliberate outdoor fires, compared to 27 incidents during the same period last year.

Areas of particular concern include Bramcote, where firefighters attended five deliberate outdoor fires within a 24-hour period, and Rayton Lane in Worksop, which saw four incidents over the six-day period.

These fires can spread quickly, particularly in the warm and dry conditions Nottinghamshire has recently experienced, and can threaten lives, homes, businesses, wildlife and the environment. They also place additional pressure on emergency services, diverting resources away from other emergencies where people may urgently need help.

Group Manager Tom Staples, from Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "The increase we have seen in just the first few days of the summer holidays is concerning. We have attended more than double the number of deliberate outdoor fires compared to the same period last year.

"Many people associate deliberate fires with anti-social behaviour, and we are asking parents and carers to speak to young people about the dangers and consequences of setting fires outdoors. We are working closely with colleagues from Nottinghamshire Police throughout the holidays to prevent these from happening, utilising joint assets such as the drone.

“However, not all deliberate fires are started with malicious intent. Some incidents can begin when people light campfires or disposable barbecues without considering how easily they can spread or the risks they pose to others.

"What may start as a small fire can quickly spread, especially in grassland and woodland areas, putting people, property, wildlife and the environment at risk. We are asking everyone to think carefully about their actions and help us prevent these incidents from happening this summer."

NFRS is asking communities to follow simple safety advice throughout the summer:

• Never light fires in parks, woodland or other open spaces
• Only use barbecues where they are permitted and can be supervised safely
• Never leave a barbecue unattended
• Take all litter home with you
• Dispose of smoking materials responsibly and ensure they are fully extinguished
• Do not use fireworks or sky lanterns
• Download the free what3words app so you can provide your exact location in an emergency
• Report all fires immediately by calling 999

Click here to read more information on outdoor fire safety.