During the last few weeks like many of our colleagues across the country, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service have been called to an increasing number of garden bonfires and BBQs that have spiralled out of control.
With more warm weather predicted, it’s great to hear that so many of our community are doing the right thing and ‘staying home to save lives’. But it’s also important to consider how garden bonfires and BBQs can affect your neighbours as well as putting an increased strain on your local fire service.
We are committed to providing support to other emergency services during the Covid-19 pandemic so reducing preventable fires and incidents caused by barbecues and garden bonfires is essential. This will give us more capacity to support vulnerable members of the community so, please help us to help you and your community by staying safe and considering others whilst you’re enjoying some fun in the sun!
Enjoying sunshine and clean fresh air in the garden is great for wellbeing but please consider your neighbours. Large numbers of people are currently staying at home to self-isolate and many of these may suffer from respiratory problems. Being able to open the window for fresh air when you can’t venture outdoors is a lifeline to these members of our community.
Barbecues
If you’re planning a barbecue in the sunshine there are some top tips to ensure you can have fun in the sun whilst also staying safe:
- Whether you’re using a traditional charcoal or a gas barbecue you should never leave it unattended.
- Ideally always light barbecues well away from sheds, trees and fences
- Keep a bucket of water or a hosepipe nearby just in case.
Read more top tips on how to keep safe from fire whilst enjoying a BBQ
Garden bonfires
We’d like to remind you that even under current circumstances you should not be disposing of household waste in garden bonfires. Not only does this cause pollution but it can also harm the health of vulnerable people with respiratory conditions who may be self-isolating as well as children.
Garden bonfires can easily get out of hand which not only compromises your family’s safety but also puts an extra strain on fire services who are doing all they can to help in the fight against Covid-19.
While there are no laws to stop you having a bonfire in your back garden there are laws in place for the nuisance they can cause, and fines can even be issued, so please avoid setting garden bonfires.