Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue are warning about the dangers of having a bonfire during the current lockdown, saying they are putting additional pressure on the emergency services.
Firefighters in Lincolnshire were called to attend a number of fires in trees and hedges over the weekend, including a fire in a tree near Crowland and a hedge fire in Wainfleet, as well as sparks from an incinerator causing a large blaze at a garden centre in Fishtoft.
Dan Moss, Area Manager Prevention & Protection, said: “We understand how frustrating it can be for people spring cleaning and wanting to get rid of waste at home, but it’s really important that you don’t burn rubbish that should go in your household bins.
“If you have garden waste to burn, please only burn dry materials, and make sure you leave enough room so your bonfire is away from fences, trees, hedges and sheds.
“Never use petrol or paraffin to start a bonfire and don’t leave it unattended. On windy days, fire can easily spread and get out of control, so please only have a bonfire if the conditions are still.”
The fire service have also seen the number of false alarms from calls where people genuinely thought there was a fire, double in recent weeks. Most of these were from ‘controlled burning’ in gardens.
Dan added: “We have been attending a lot of bonfires that have been reported as real fires, which ties up our resources that may be needed elsewhere. If you are intending to burn dry garden waste, it’s a good idea to let your neighbours know first.”
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