The Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service are reminding Islanders to never leave a bonfire unattended following 3 call outs to such instances yesterday (Wednesday).
Firefighters from Ryde were called out at 16:00 in the afternoon to reports of a fire at the derelict Harcourt Sands site at Puckpool, where the single crew discovered a bonfire alight. But just 2-and-a-half hours later, at around 18:25, an appliance was mobilised to the site once again.
By 19:42 another call to fire control prompted the turn out of an Island appliance, this time Ventnor. The retained firefighters were mobilised to Luccombe Chine where a large bonfire measuring 2.5m squared was discovered. The bonfire was extinguished.
Top tips – Bonfires
Small Bonfires:
• Don’t light in windy conditions
• Don’t leave it unattended – someone should have the time to supervise it until it has burned out – if it has to be left, dampen it down, or, preferably, put it out
• Build it well clear of buildings, garden sheds, fences and hedges
• Keep a fire beater, a bucket of water or hosepipe handy just in case
• Never use flammable liquids to start the fire
• Never burn dangerous rubbish – aerosols, paint tins, bottles, batteries, tyres or foam furniture
• Prior to lighting, always check to see that no animals or children are inside
• Once lit, make sure that small children are kept well away and avoid breathing the smoke and fumes
Large Bonfires:
It is important with a large bonfire to ensure there will be no damage to property, overhead power or telephone lines and road surfaces. The bonfire should be sited no less than 18 metres from buildings, trees, wooden fences etc. The smoke and fumes should not affect any adjacent road or railway.
If you are going to have a bonfire, or any other type of controlled burning, which will be visible to passers-by, you can let Hampshire Fire Control know by calling the non-emergency number 02031 620063.
