Due to an increased number of
controlled burns within the last four weeks, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue
Service (NFRS) have seen a rise of 123% when compared to
this time last year. The service is advising people NOT to light
bonfires in the garden during the Coronavirus pandemic.
In recent weeks, the Service
has seen a rise in the number of calls to bonfire and ‘controlled burning’ in
residential areas after reports by concerned neighbours.
NFRS recently attended
incidents of garden fires spreading to nearby hedges, fences, sheds and even to
houses.
An incident took place in the
Mansfield area which resulted in a loss of a summer house and resulted in fire
spreading to neighbouring properties.
Station Manager Paul Gair
said: “As the weather gets warmer and people staying at home in line with
government advice, we have seen an increase in residents lighting bonfires and
we have had to deal with a number of bonfires that have got out of control.
“We are now asking Nottinghamshire residents to refrain from
having bonfires due to the potential health implications the smoke could have
on the respiratory system.
“We also ask you to consider
the implications this could have on NFRS at this time due to unnecessary demand
of bonfire calls.”