A firefighter is calling on residents not to light bonfires after seeing a “significant increase” in call-outs where fires have got out of control.
This is despite the overall number of calls dropping since the coronavirus lockdown began.
Ryan Thurman, North Hampshire Group Commander for Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, says that as the weather has improved and people have been forced to stay at home, more people are lighting bonfires which are subsequently spreading to nearby fences and sheds.
“The message really is ‘don’t have bonfires’,” he told the Gazette.
“People sometimes don’t appreciate how quickly it can spread. It takes them by surprise.”
Over the weekend, fire crews in Andover had to deal with an unattended bonfire by Mill Lake, whilst other crews up and down the county have been called out to bonfires that have become out of control.
However, Mr Thurman says that there are many other ramifications of lighting a bonfire. With people spending more time at home and likely having windows open during the fine weather, smoke from bonfires can make its way into houses, not only “socially unpleasant” but also a risk for people with respiratory illnesses.
“People who have got coronavirus, breathing is affected,” he adds.
It comes after Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council asked all residents not to have bonfires.
Whilst they acknowledge it is not illegal, they say that “the effect they cause on other peoples gardens and homes is at best very unpleasant and at worst can cause a statutory nuisance”.
The advice, on the council’s website, continues: “The recent nice weather might mean you have been doing more in the garden and might be tempted to have a bonfire. Please think again.
“It’s not fair or reasonable to inflict this on anyone right now, especially if they are unwell.
“Filling the air with smoke could make a bad situation worse for someone. Be thoughtful, be kind and be fair.”
Mr Thurman said that he “totally” agreed with that advice, adding that having to deal with unnecessary out-of-control-bonfire call outs means that the fire service can’t focus on its response to coronavirus.
“We have been quite fortunate that we haven’t been affected to badly across the north group with people self-isolating, but we are helping out partner agencies in a number of area, which is taking up a lot of our time.
“We are still maintaining the fire cover but some of our resources are going to support others.”
And whilst the weather is set to take a turn for the wetter this week, Mr Thurman says that people should still abide by advice to reduce the risk of wildfires.
After heathland at Hazeley Heath caught fire last month, destroying habitats for nesting birds and other creatures, Mr Thurman issued advice on how to avoid sparking a blaze.
This includes not dropping cigarette butts or bottles, which can magnify the sun’s rays, or having barbecues on dry grassland.
And with the first significant rain since February set to hit the region this week, this won’t make the danger go away.
“Any rain helps,” he continued. “Where the ground is so dry, rain water can struggle to run away so it can bring flooding.
“When it is really hot and there has been cars on the road, it can make it very slippery.
“That whole safety message needs to continue – drive to the conditions.”
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