Garage fire prompts compost heap safety warning

Fire engines from New Milton, Lymington and Beaulieu were sent to a garage fire in Lymington Road, Milford-on-Sea, on Saturday (12 June).

The double garage was well-alight and firefighters used two breathing apparatus and one main hose reel jet to extinguish the fire.

The fire started within a compost heap in an adjoining garden, which spread up the wooden fence and into the roof space of the garage.

The garage was 100% destroyed by the fire and suffered a partial collapse. Some damage was caused to the house by radiated heat but the actions of the first responding crew restricted fire spread.

Compost bins should be turned over and aired regularly in hot weather, otherwise there is a chance they can overheat and burst into flames.

Gardeners should be aware of the risks compost could pose and to keep compost bins/heaps in the shade, well away from buildings and easily combustible materials.

Time of call: 16:29. Stop message: 18:37.