Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 09/06/2011 08:41

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service are calling for greater care following a spate of bonfires which have got out of control and caused potential danger to the public and damage to property.

The plea follows two such incidents incident earlier this week (Monday 6 June); one at Bridge near Portreath and another at Molingey Block Works, London Apprentice near St Austell when Cornwall Fire and Rescue service were called to a large bonfire which had got out of control. A crew from St Austell was mobilised to the incident at London Apprentice and firefighters tackled the blaze wearing breathing apparatus and one hose reel. A second appliance from St Austell was requested and crews used a ground monitor and two hose reels to eventually bring the fire under control.

CFRS Prevention Group Manager Mark Blatchford says: “Bonfires can easily get out of hand. Just a few weeks ago, crews from Bude and Delabole attended a garden bonfire which had spread to a shed. There was added danger from the close proximity of butane gas cylinders and a propane tank both of which were cooled down by firefighters wearing breathing apparatus and using hose reels to avert a potentially even more serious incident.

So called ‘controlled’ burning can easily get out of hand and spread, sometimes because of a lack of firefighting measures put in place in advance to deal with the situation.

With controlled burns, it is illegal to leave a fire unattended or to have too few people to control it. Always ensure a fire is completely out before you leave it and check next day to ensure it has not reignited.”

If you are planning a large bonfire in Cornwall, inform the Fire and Rescue Service before you start by dialling 01872 320205.

Tell the Fire Control Operator:

Your location.
Time you intend to start burning.
Confirm when you have finished burning.

This helps Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service avoid sending fire appliances to false alarms when they could be responding to a real emergency.

Fires in the countryside can easily be started accidentally. A carelessly discarded cigarette can lead to a huge fire and with many areas in Cornwall being recognised as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) the results to the wildlife and plant life can be devastating.

Follow this simple advice to guard against accidental fires in the countryside:-

Do not discard cigarettes in the countryside.
Do not leave glass items around after a picnic or barbecue. Put them in the bin.
Only light fires or barbecues in designated areas using the facilities provided.
Fires must be built at least 10m downwind from vegetation, tents and caravans.
Clear a patch of bare earth to build the fire on.
Ensure the fire collapses inwards when it burns.
Do not leave it unattended.
Never use petrol or paraffin on a fire.
Do not put batteries, aerosols or other gas cylinders on the fire.
If you see a fire in the countryside, report it immediately.
Don't attempt to tackle fires that can't be put out with a bucket of water – leave the area as quickly as possible.