Quick-Thinking Dog Walker Stops Kent Woodland Blaze in Its Tracks
Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) is urging everyone to stay vigilant this summer after a disposable BBQ sparked a dangerous woodland fire in East Blean Woods—only stopped from spreading further thanks to a sharp-eyed dog walker.
Careless BBQ Nearly Sparks Kent Woodland Inferno
On Sunday, 23 June, a careless picnic-goer left a disposable barbecue smouldering in East Blean Woods, Hoath. The hot grill ignited the dry undergrowth, threatening a fast-spreading wildfire in the tinderbox conditions.
Local dog walker Yasimin Djemal was out for her morning stroll when she caught the faint smell of smoke near a woodland path. “I could smell smoke, but I couldn’t see it at first,” Yasimin said. “When I found it, I was horrified.”
She quickly moved to a safe spot and called 999, using the What3Words app to give emergency services an exact location. Fire crews were soon on the scene, dousing the flames before disaster struck.
Firefighters Rush In With All-Terrain Vehicles
A fire engine and two all-terrain vehicles rolled up around 11am to tackle the blaze. Crews used flexi-packs and a fogging unit to put out the fire, and cleared away the charred remains of the BBQ.
KFRS Crew Manager Dave Turner praised Yasimin’s heroism:
“Thankfully Yasimin came across the fire before it could fully develop. During summer, dry ground means fires can spread rapidly, causing catastrophic damage to nature and nearby homes.”
Fire Service Issues Grave Summer Warning
Kent Fire and Rescue Service warns that disposable BBQs, lit cigarettes, and open flames must never be left unattended or dumped carelessly.
“All outdoor flames must be properly extinguished and fully cooled before disposal. Only barbecue in designated areas and never in woodland or dry grasslands,” Turner added.
Fire danger is escalating across the South East, with temperatures expected to hit 30°C+ next week under an amber heat health alert from the UK Health Security Agency.
How to Stay Safe This Summer
- Never leave BBQs unattended – not even for a minute
- Avoid barbecuing in woodland or dry grass
- Completely extinguish cigarettes before discarding
- Call 999 immediately if you spot a fire
- Use What3Words to share your exact location with emergency responders
Local Hero Praised by Community
Social media is buzzing with praise for Yasimin’s prompt action. One person wrote, “She likely saved acres of protected woodland and wildlife. Absolute hero.”
Yasimin stayed humble:
“We’re so lucky to have these woods. I’m just glad the fire service were so fast.”
