Date: 2nd March, 2021
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is reminding the public about the importance of garden safety following an incident involving an out-of-control bonfire last week.
Spring is almost here which means lighter evenings and warmer weather are on their way, so it’s likely that many will want to start getting out in the garden and perhaps burning garden waste – especially since many household recycling centres aren’t in full operation.
Station Manager Richard Humphrey said: “We are asking the public to remember the importance of fire safety in the garden, and in turn, ensure our resources can be used for the vital support of our communities. Bonfires are very common in the spring and summer, but they can get out of control very easily. If you want to burn off garden waste, please follow our safety advice, and never use flammable liquids such as petrol or paraffin to start a bonfire.”
Other top tips for the safe use of bonfires include:
- Site any bonfire well away from buildings, fences, trees and garden structures.
- Have a garden hose to hand in case the fire starts to get out of control.
- Don’t light a bonfire on a windy day, as it could flare up more than you expect.
- Be courteous to your neighbours – if you’re planning a substantial bonfire, let them know, and stay with it at all times to ensure that it remains safe.
- If you’re intending to have a large bonfire, use our on-line form – we often receive emergency calls from people who can see lots of smoke, and it helps us to know where this could be a controlled burn.
For more information on outdoor fire safety visit https://www.dwfire.org.uk/safety/safety-outdoors/