Rise in garden fires prompts warning of dangers, fines and firefighter time

DERBYSHIRE Fire and Rescue have warned of the dangers surrounding garden fires.

According to the service, it has been called out to 225 garden fires within the last year and 73 within the last three months.

In a video, firefighters from Nottingham Road fire station in Chaddesden said: “Many people think a garden fire is the most effective way to get rid of garden rubbish and household rubbish.

“By having a fire in your garden not only are you increasing the chances of having fire spreading to your house and you getting injured but you are also causing a nuisance to your neighbours.

“In fact, it can even be a criminal offence and lead to a fine of up to £50,000 or even a prison sentence.

“Some waste may be damp and may need help burning. We know in these situations some people will turn to accelerants such as petrol and this can be extremely dangerous. Not only can the petrol explode but the fumes can too, catching you in the explosion.

“There’s lots of options when disposing of waste but if you are unsure, contact your local authority.”

Steve Ratcliffe, station manager at Derbyshire Fire and Rescue said: “We have seen an increase in garden fires across the whole county.

“It has been quite a considerable increase and there has been a number of factors behind them. Lockdown through Covid has led a lot more people to be at home and to tackle garden jobs.

“Consequently that creates garden waste so very often, grass cuttings, tree cuttings, bits of shed, bits of old fences get left lying around in gardens and people then think the easiest way to get rid of it is to set fire to it so yes, it is safe to say that we have had quite an increase in garden fires.”

Steve clarified what makes a garden fire illegal, saying: “The legal position really is around black smoke and smoke you produce from your garden fire.

“The local authorities will tell you a lot more on their websites about whether you can or can’t have a fire in your garden.

“It is frustrating for firefighters to come to incidents that are unnecessary and it is even more frustrating when another incident comes through at the same time that we can’t now go to.

“We have only got a finite number of fire engines and if we are at a garden fire that could have been avoided, we would much rather be ready to be available for a building fire or a water rescue or something that needs our immediate attention.”