Fire service warn on bonfire dangers

MANGOTSFIELD residents complained that they were left struggling to breathe properly because of a garden bonfire.

An Avon Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said Temple station firefighters attended a “really big garden fire” at 9.15pm on Tuesday night.

The firefighters gave advice to the person responsible, but it is not believed the crew had to intervene to extinguish the fire.

One resident in the Mangotsfield Matters Facebook group posted that she became concerned over the amount of smoke while she was in her own garden, trying to see the Starlink satellites overhead.

She said she was then “engulfed in smoke to the point of coughing and not being able to breathe properly”.

She said: “The flames were visible from two streets away, the opposite side of [Springfield Park].”

The incident comes after the fire service urged householders to avoid

THE fire service says if you’re having a bonfire:

Advise your neighbours so they don’t call 999

Build the bonfire away from sheds, fences and trees.

DON’T use petrol or paraffin to get the fire going..

Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby, in case of an emergency.

Don’t leave bonfires unattended.

Keep children and pets away from the bonfire.

Don’t burn aerosols, tyres, canisters or anything containing foam or paint. They may produce toxic fumes or explode.

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bonfires or controlled burns because it puts “unnecessary pressure” on emergency services.

One Mangotsfield resident said:

“People need to be made aware not to do it, especially at this time with what’s going on - we are all trying to keep safe.”

Avon Fire and Rescue revealed earlier this month it had attended 30 bonfires in a five-day period.

Assistant chief fire officer Simon Shilton said: “We understand that this is a challenging time for many members of our communities.

“Those who are currently working from home might be taking the time to sort out their homes or gardens and potentially have bonfires to dispose of waste or for other reasons.

“However, we have seen a large uptake in calls regarding bonfires or unattended fires. Every time we respond to one of these incidents, our crews are potentially delayed assisting with life threatening incidents.

“We would ask all members of the community to consider the fire service and all emergency services before taking part in such activities.”