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Home » News & Events » 2020 » April » Please avoid having a bonfire if possible during the lockdown period

Please avoid having a bonfire if possible during the lockdown period

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Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service are appealing to people to avoid having bonfires during this coronavirus lockdown period.

“While we know that the current weather makes getting out in the garden very tempting, lots of the false alarms we attend are caused by bonfires,” said Group Commander Mick Cadman of the HWFRS Community Risk Department.

“Equally, bonfires can get out of control very easily. Please help us to help you, by reducing any activity that could lead to us being called out.”

Bonfires are very common in the summer, but they can get out of control very easily.

If you want to burn off garden waste, here’s some safety advice:

  • site any bonfire well away from buildings, fences, trees and garden structures
  • don’t light a bonfire on a windy day, as it could flare up more than you expect
  • be courteous to your neighbours – fires may add to the respiratory difficulties of those suffering from the coronavirus
  • never use flammable liquids such as petrol or paraffin to start a bonfire
  • don’t burn foam filled furniture, aerosols, bottles or paints
  • keep people, especially children away from the fire. If children are present, ensure they are supervised at all times
  • never leave a bonfire unattended
  • have a garden hose to hand in case the fire starts to get out of control
  • always pour water over embers to ensure a bonfire is fully extinguished before leaving it
  • if a fire should get out of hand, dial 999 and call the Fire and Rescue Service at once

The best advice is enjoy your garden but Stay at Home – Protect the NHS and Save lives