Local fire service urging bonfire organisers to get in contact with them
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service say if organisers do this, it could prevent unnecessary 999 calls
As we approach bonfire season, the local fire and rescue service are urging organisers to let them know about planned bonfires
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service say if organisers do this, it could prevent unnecessary 999 calls
The fire service are also asking people to be incredibly careful with fires due to the dry summer
The service say since 2020, there have been over 550 fires during bonfire night, and nearly 200 since 2024
Kelly Hedge from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight rescue service explains why organisers communicating their bonfires is so important
"This is just in case we receive any 999 recalls reporting a fire in the same area which stops us from sending firefighters out to a bonfire when they're not needed.
We don't get a lot of people calling. I don't think people realise. So that's why we advise, tell us that you're having a bonfire just because we will receive 999 calls reporting that they've seen smoke in that area. So if you are having a bonfire, it's really good advice to call us."
Kelly also shares other bits of key advice ahead of bonfire night
"Bonfires obviously can quickly grow out of control. So if you do decide to have a bonfire, first of all, make sure you use a metal incinerator bin to contain it and locate it always away from the house, hedges, fences, trees and overhead cables.
Avoid burning household rubbish such as fuels, tyres, paint, aerosol cans, lighter fuel, and we always say stay away from your bonfire, keep a bucket of water or garden hose nearby in case of an emergency and always keep children and pets away from that bonfire."