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Home » News & Events » 2011 » October » Shed Fire Sparks Safety Warning

Shed Fire Sparks Safety Warning

Crews from Ewyas Harold and Peterchurch attended the incident affecting a 10 foot x 6 foot (approx.) shed containing firewood and gardening materials.


Station Commander Phil Major said: "I would urge residents to take care when burning rubbish in their gardens. In this case the fire only affected the shed but it is possible for this type of fire to spread.

"If fires are lit or burning materials are disposed of near to trees, fencing or sheds they can, due to the dry conditions and the breeze on the day, quickly spread into neighbouring gardens, destroying fencing and property."

Station Commander Major went on to issue advice which includes:

  • Locate your bonfire well clear of buildings, garden sheds, fences and hedges
  • Avoid burning garden waste when it's windy as the bonfire can easily get out of control
  • Never use a flammable liquid to start the fire, and never burn aerosol cans, paint tins, batteries, tyres or foam-filled furniture
  • Keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby as a safety precaution
  • Before lighting the fire, check there are no animals hiding or children playing in it
  • Never leave the bonfire unattended. An adult should supervise it at all times, with children kept a safe distance away
  • Use plenty of water if you need to damp the fire down
Station Commander Major also reminded people not to risk injury by tackling an out-of-control bonfire themselves, but instead to call the Fire Service and wait for firefighters, who are trained to deal with these type of incidents, to arrive.