Jersey Water issues reservoir wildfire warning

People in Jersey have been reminded to avoid fires and to dispose of cigarettes safely when visiting reservoirs and the surrounding countryside amid the "hot, dry and windy" conditions which raise the risk of wildfires.

Jersey Water issued the warning after Jersey Met classified the risk of wildfires under current weather conditions as "extreme".

The utilities firm said responding to wildfires also puts pressure on water resources - which were already "under pressure" - if used by emergency services in their response to call-outs.

The company said: "Even a small spark from a barbecue, open fire or discarded cigarette can quickly develop into a wildfire, putting nature and the public at risk."

It added: "We all need to take extra care and act responsibly, both at the reservoirs and other outdoor locations to prevent avoidable fires."

Mark Bowden from Jersey Water said "current dry conditions" and "increasingly strong winds" meant "even a small act of carelessness" could have serious consequences.

"We need everyone to take extra care and act responsibly, both at our reservoirs and elsewhere across Jersey."

Jersey Water reminded people that:

• Barbecues and open fires were not permitted
• Cigarettes and smoking materials should be disposed of responsibly offsite
• Litter should be taken home or recycled in appropriate bins

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