Lincolnshire farmers and firefighters are calling for people to take care when in the countryside due to tinder dry conditions and the threat of fires.
The NFU and Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service are warning of the dangers to people, wildlife, crops and businesses following record temperatures in the heatwave.
The fire service and farmers have concerns about the dangers from those burning rubbish, discarding cigarettes, glass bottles or using disposal barbecues.
As farmers head towards harvest, one of their busiest times of the year, they are also being urged to carry out machinery and other checks on farm to help reduce the risks and make sure they are prepared should the fire service need access to on-farm water supplies.
Bucknell farmer Henry Moreton, NFU Lincolnshire chair, said: “Farm fires can start in a multitude of different ways, from combine harvesters overheating to disposable barbecues being left in fields.
“As well as farmers and growers doing what they can to prevent and manage fires we are calling on people to play their part, clear their rubbish and to not take any risks.
“Most people enjoying the countryside responsibly and are very good but with temperatures soaring and the ground so dry, year on year, it is just a reminder of how lethal farm and rural fires can be.
“They put farmers, their crops and stock at great risk as well as destroying buildings, feed and machinery and are a huge threat to wildlife and habitat."Any farm fire can bring a farm business to a standstill – causing many thousands of pounds worth of damage and leaving a huge clear-up operation in its wake.”
Amanda Matson, Department Head for Community Fire Safety, said: "The current dry conditions mean that even a small spark can quickly develop into a significant fire. We are asking everyone enjoying the countryside to take extra care by disposing of cigarettes safely, taking litter home and avoiding the use of disposable barbecues in rural areas.
"Fires in fields and open countryside can spread rapidly, threatening crops, wildlife, farm businesses and nearby communities. We are working closely with the NFU and local farmers to raise awareness of the risks and encourage people to take simple precautions that can help prevent a devastating incident.
"If you see a fire, move to a safe location immediately and call 999. By working together, we can help protect Lincolnshire's countryside during this period of heightened fire risk."
While Boston farmer Heather Oldfield, NFU South Lincolnshire chair, said farms businesses would continue to work closely with the fire service, police, the council and others to focus on farm fire prevention.
She said: “We are committed to giving farmers the right guidance in case they are in the awful position of having a blaze at their business.
“Some fires can be avoided on farm by checking machinery and storing equipment and bales correctly but there are many other potential threats.
“For those out an about enjoying rural Lincolnshire there is a lot of practical advice available to help prevent accidental fires too.
“I’d urge people to take their rubbish home, not discard cigarettes, start camp fires or use disposal barbecues on bone dry land and follow The Countryside Code, which has some really useful advice and guidance within it.”
Farmers are also being proactive and one innovative Lincolnshire farmer has made strides to help prevent blazes on farm after developing a special fire engine adapter that allows on farm water supplies to be used to help control a blaze.
Louth Park Farms manager Ian Watson, developed a special fire engine adapter, which is helping to save lives, livestock, crops and building.
Louth and Alford NFU branches took up his campaign for the adapter, which can be carried by the fire services and enables them to access farm water sources, such as bowsers and tankers.
All county fire engines are now equipped with the, simple, game-changing, piece of kit, which are now able to connect to any available water supplies on county farms.
The adapters are also being rolled out by firefighters in other counties to help safeguard farms and the countryside further.
Heather added: “These adapters have been instrumental in minimising the impact of farm fires on livelihoods and anything we can do to help carry on that prevention, working with Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service and others remains essential.”