As we move into autumn, the Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) has seen an increase in emergency calls to bonfires that have burned out of control, as gardeners prepare for the winter months.
So far this week they have been called to eight bonfires that were putting property at risk. The NFRS is therefore urging everyone to be extra careful before lighting bonfires and to follow some simple guidance to prevent it from getting out of hand:
• Position the bonfire well away from buildings, sheds, fences, trees and shrubs
• Before lighting the bonfire, check that no pets or children are hiding inside it!
• Build the stack so that it is stable and will not collapse outwards or to one side
• Never use flammable liquids such as petrol or paraffin to light the fire
• Don’t burn foam-filled furniture, aerosols, tins of paint or bottles
• Always keep children and pets away from the fire
• Don’t leave the bonfire unattended
• Keep buckets of water, the garden hose, or a fire extinguisher nearby
• Pour water on the embers before leaving
For further information on outdoor safety visit www.northantsfire.gov.uk
In an emergency call 999