Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service published safety guidance on 23 June 2026 for residents and visitors while parts of Devon and Somerset are under amber and red extreme weather warnings. The service said it was urging people to enjoy the sunshine safely and to take extra care around open water, in the countryside and at home during the hot weather1.
The service warned that cold water shock can occur in water temperatures below 15°C, and that the water can remain dangerously cold even during periods of very hot weather. It said entering cold water can trigger an involuntary gasp reflex, rapid breathing and shock to the body, which can lead to drowning, even in strong and confident swimmers, and can in some cases cause serious cardiac problems1. It asked people to avoid entering rivers, lakes, quarries and reservoirs, to stay out of the water after drinking alcohol, and to choose supervised and lifeguarded locations for water-based activities. Anyone who unexpectedly enters cold water is advised to Float to Live: lean back, keep your airway clear, spread your arms and legs, and try to control breathing until the effects of cold water shock pass1.
On the road, the service said hot weather can increase the risk of vehicle breakdowns, collisions and fires. Its guidance includes checking coolant, oil and screen wash levels, tyre inflation and tread depth, and planned road closures before travelling; travelling outside the hottest part of the day where possible; carrying water and taking regular breaks, because heat can cause fatigue and reduce concentration. It also said temperatures inside a parked vehicle can become dangerous within minutes, and that people, pets and battery-powered devices should never be left in a vehicle1.
At home, the service said children should never be left unattended around paddling pools, even for a moment, because drowning can happen quickly and silently in very shallow water. It asked pet owners to ensure animals have access to shade and fresh drinking water throughout the day, and asked people to check in on elderly neighbours, relatives and other vulnerable members of their community who may be more affected by the extreme temperatures1.
The service said the current hot, dry conditions are significantly increasing the risk of wildfires across the region, and that most wildfires are caused by human activity rather than natural causes. It asked people to take litter home, never discard cigarettes on the ground or from vehicle windows, avoid campfires and barbecues in the countryside, avoid lighting bonfires during very dry weather, and never leave glass bottles or broken glass in grassy or wooded areas. Barbecues should only be used where permitted and never on moorland, heathland, grassland or in woodland1.
"With parts of Devon and Somerset under amber and red extreme weather warnings, we are urging people to enjoy the sunshine safely and take extra care around open water, in the countryside and at home during the hot weather."
Why it matters for households
The guidance applies to residents and visitors in the parts of Devon and Somerset covered by the amber and red warnings, and covers risks that arise during the current hot spell. For households, the service's stated concerns are cold water shock in inland and coastal water, vehicle breakdowns and collisions in the heat, children and pets around water and hot vehicles, and wildfire started by human activity. The service advises people to find alternative ways to keep cool, such as staying in the shade, drinking plenty of water and avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day1. It also advises that anyone who sees someone in trouble in the water should never enter the water to attempt a rescue, but should call 999 immediately, asking for the Coastguard at the coast and for Fire and Ambulance inland, encourage the casualty to float on their back and throw them something that floats if possible1. If a wildfire is spotted, the service advises moving to a place of safety and calling 999 immediately, giving an accurate location using landmarks, What3Words or a mapping app where possible1.
The service's guidance sits alongside the wider UK heat alert system; the levels of those alerts are set out in the guide to heat-health alerts, and practical household measures are covered in the heatwaves and drought guide. Advice on fluid intake is set out in how much water to drink in hot weather, and on keeping cool without power in how to keep cool during a power cut in hot weather.
What happens next
The service did not state in its guidance when the amber and red warnings are expected to end, and no end time has been reported. It said temperatures are continuing to rise and asked everyone to think carefully about their actions, look after friends, family and neighbours, and help keep communities, countryside and coastlines safe throughout the heatwave1.
Heat-Health Alerts Explained
