Fires - whether on farms, in grassland areas, around vehicles, businesses, or within our communities - cause millions of pounds in damage every year and place lives, livelihoods, and the environment at serious risk.
Many of these incidents are preventable. By improving security, managing fuel sources responsibly, and staying alert to suspicious activity, we can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidental and deliberate fires.
This guidance brings together key advice for residents, farmers, landowners and businesses. From proper storage of hay and straw, to safer parking, to reducing waste‑related fire risks at home, each section outlines simple, practical steps that protect people, property, and the places we live and work in.
Working together—through good housekeeping, responsible behaviour, community awareness, and swift reporting—we can help stop fires before they start and support a safer County Durham and Darlington for everyone.
Homes & Waste Management
Wheelie Bins
Wheelie bins can be a serious fire risk. They contain flammable waste that can ignite easily from discarded smoking materials, hot ash, or deliberate arson.
Lock It, Don’t Lose It!
- Secure bins to a fixed point with a bike lock or chain until collection day.
- Keep bins away from doors and windows.
- After collection, bring bins back in and lock them up.
Waste, Refuse and Rubbish
Household waste is an easy fuel source for arson and fires can spread quickly to fences, homes and buildings.
Simple Fuel Management Tips:
- Flatten and bundle cardboard to reduce surface area.
- Never store flammable waste under stairs, in corridors, or near exits.
- Keep communal bin stores locked, accessible to residents, and well lit.
- Use lockable skips and remove them as soon as possible.
Safety Is Security - Good security is the best way to prevent arson.
Arson Safety Tips:
- Secure sheds, garages, gates, doors and windows; repair damage promptly.
- Use basic deterrents like CCTV, alarms and security lighting.
- Don’t allow waste, cardboard or unwanted furniture to build up.
- Keep areas well lit and maintain hedges and shrubs for visibility.
- Work with neighbours and report suspicious activity to the police.
- Store flammable liquids safely and out of sight.
- Park vehicles securely; use garages where possible.
- Install and maintain working smoke alarms.
- Take advantage of Home Fire Safety visits from County Durham & Darlington FRS.
- Visit the Durham Constabulary Crime Prevention website for further advice.
Vehicles
- Park in a locked garage where possible, or reverse onto your driveway with the front facing the street
- Choose well-lit, open, and supervised parking areas with CCTV where available
- Report abandoned or neglected vehicles to Durham Police on 101
- Never leave valuables on display; lock them out of sight in the boot
- Check the area for signs of vandalism or previous car fires and avoid parking there
- Always close windows fully to prevent flammable materials being placed inside
Businesses
Research shows that 85% of businesses affected by arson never recover, but simple, low-cost measures can significantly reduce the risk.
Security Is Fire Safety
- Maintain secure fencing (minimum 2m) and keep gates locked when not in use
- Repair gaps or damage to fencing and maintain clear visibility by trimming trees and bushes
- Keep flammable materials away from buildings and at least 1.2m from perimeter fencing
- Site skips and bins away from buildings, in clear view; empty them regularly and use lockable bins where possible
- Consider CCTV and maintain a daily close-down routine to check security, waste, and flammable stock
- Carry out a weekly fire safety and arson walkaround inspection
Waste Management
- Assign staff responsibility for managing flammable waste and reducing stored materials
- Hold regular reviews to reduce packaging and improve recycling or reuse
- Flatten and secure cardboard and packaging to minimise volume and fire risk
Farm Fires – Key Advice
Farm fires cost millions every year. Electrical faults and deliberate ignition of hay and straw were the leading causes. Beyond financial loss, farm fires put lives, livestock, and businesses at serious risk.
- Hay and straw are the main fuel source in farm fires. Remove them promptly after harvesting and store them well away from buildings, livestock, machinery, agrochemicals, and public access areas.
- Separate hay and straw stacks by at least 10 metres and have a clear plan in place for dealing with a stack fire.
- Secure buildings, fuel stores, tanks, gates, and fences; padlock outlets and consider CCTV and security lighting in high-value or vulnerable areas.
- Carry out burning off of stubble or waste under strict control, with no public access.
- Maintain good housekeeping standards to limit the spread of fire.
- Create a Fire Plan, regularly test firefighting equipment, and ensure all staff know what to do in an emergency.
- Work with neighbours through Farm Watch schemes and seek advice from local police and fire services.
- Engage with local schools to educate young people on the dangers of farm fires, a simple but effective preventative measure.
Fires in Grassland – Key Advice
Rising summer temperatures are increasing the risk of grassland fires, most of which are deliberately started and cause serious damage to the environment and local communities. To help reduce this risk, people enjoying countryside and public grassland areas are advised to:
- Use designated public access areas only
- Take litter home or use provided bins
- Avoid BBQs, or use them only in designated safe areas
- Dispose of cigarettes safely and ensure they are fully extinguished
- Dispose of bottles responsibly or take them home
- Report grass fires immediately by calling 999, providing clear location details (nearest road or What3Words)