Dog Walker Helps Avert Woodland Disaster After Disposable BBQ Sparks Fire in Kent

Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) is urging residents and visitors to be responsible this summer after a woodland fire in East Blean Woods was narrowly prevented from spreading further—thanks to a vigilant dog walker.

Carelessly Abandoned BBQ Sparks Woodland Blaze

The incident took place on Sunday, 23 June, in East Blean Woods, Hoath, near Canterbury. A disposable barbecue, believed to have been left while still hot, ignited the dry woodland floor, putting the surrounding area at risk of a larger blaze.

Local dog walker Yasimin Djemal was out on her morning walk when she spotted signs of the fire near a woodland path.

“I could smell smoke, but I couldn’t see it at first,” Yasimin recalled. “When I found it, I was horrified.”

Realising the danger, she quickly moved to a safe distance and dialled 999, using the What3Words app to pinpoint the fire’s location. Firefighters arrived promptly and brought the fire under control.

Swift Emergency Response

One fire engine and two all-terrain vehicles were dispatched around 11am, with crews using flexi-packs and a fogging unit to extinguish the fire. The remains of the burnt BBQ were recovered at the scene.

KFRS Crew Manager Dave Turner praised Yasimin’s quick thinking:

“Thankfully Yasimin came across the fire before it could fully develop. During the summer, ground conditions are extremely dry, and a fire can spread rapidly, causing catastrophic damage to nature and nearby homes.”

Safety Warning from Fire Service

Kent Fire and Rescue Service is warning that disposable BBQs, lit cigarettes, and open flames must never be left unattended or discarded irresponsibly.

“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.

This incident comes as fire risks soar across the South East, with temperatures expected to exceed 30°C next week under an amber heat health alert issued by the UK Health Security Agency.

What You Should Do:

• Never leave a BBQ unattended – even for a minute
• Avoid barbecuing in woodland or on dry grass
• Extinguish cigarettes completely
• Call 999 immediately if you see fire in the open
• Use What3Words to share your exact location with emergency services

Community Reaction

Residents have praised Yasimin’s actions online. One commenter wrote, “She likely saved acres of protected woodland and wildlife. Absolute hero.”

Yasimin responded humbly:

“We’re so lucky to have these woods. I’m just glad the fire service were so fast.”