'No bonfires' warning as emergency call-outs rise during lockdown

Scots are being warned not to build bonfires at home as a way of getting rid of garden waste and household rubbish that has built up during lockdown.

The caution comes after an increase in emergency call-outs across Scotland to deal with blazes in gardens and waste ground that had spread out of control, putting lives and property at risk.

Firefighters dealt with 17 incidents where flames had ignited garages, garden sheds, decking, furniture and fences last month.

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That’s more than double the number of similar incidents in April over the past two years.

Firefighters have been called out to tackle an increased number of blazes started by bonfires that have burned out of controlFirefighters have been called out to tackle an increased number of blazes started by bonfires that have burned out of control
Firefighters have been called out to tackle an increased number of blazes started by bonfires that have burned out of control

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) have highlighted the dangers of lighting bonfires, which can spread to neighbouring homes and spark wildfires in the countryside.

Smoke and toxic fumes can also badly affect people with breathing problems such as asthma.

People are being urged to hold on to their refuse until collection and dumping facilities are back in full operation when lockdown restrictions are eased.

Dangers

Assistant Chief Officer Stuart Stevens, of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, has warned of the dangers of burning rubbish and garden wasteAssistant Chief Officer Stuart Stevens, of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, has warned of the dangers of burning rubbish and garden waste
Assistant Chief Officer Stuart Stevens, of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, has warned of the dangers of burning rubbish and garden waste

Assistant Chief Officer Stuart Stevens, director of service delivery for the SFRS, said: “With bin uplift services in many areas still limited during the coronavirus pandemic, people might be tempted to burn refuse or other materials.

“We cannot stress this enough – lighting bonfires can be dangerous, and we would strongly discourage anyone from attempting to dispose of waste or other items in this way.

“This can often be very unsafe in terms of the risk of fire spread – to your own home and possessions as well as that of neighbours.”

Earlier this month, it took around 50 firefighters more than three days to extinguish a wildfire in the Kishorn area of Wester Ross, which is believed to have started from high winds blowing hot ash from a fire pit into an area of dry vegetation.

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“Once lit, fire can be unpredictable and you are no longer fully in control of the potential consequences,” ACO Stevens added.

“The smoke can also cause a significant inconvenience to neighbours and nearby properties; can pollute the environment and impact those with respiratory conditions.

“What can initially seem like a small, controlled burn can very quickly spread to sheds, fences or even property, and lead to a number of our firefighters and resources being mobilised.

“While we continue to maintain a high resilience across Scotland, we would seek to avoid any unnecessary demand on our service during this unprecedented time.”

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