Fire chief warns against lighting garden fires amid rise in incidents in Mansfield and Ashfield

The move comes after Paul Gair, the Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) station and district prevention manager revealed there had been a 150 percent increase in fire incidents in Ashfield and a 17 percent rise in the Mansfield area.

NFRS said it had also seen an increase in the number of the fires in the region over the past four weeks – during the coronavirus lockdown – a rise of 123% when compared to this time last year.

A number of incidents saw garden fires spreading to hedges, fences, sheds and nearby houses.

One recent incident in Mansfield resulted in the loss of a summer house and the fire quickly spread to neighbouring properties.

The recent spell of good weather has also meant that more residents are out in their gardens and the lock down has meant people have been unable to visit local tips and refuse sites.

Mr Gair said that firefighters were being called out frequently to ‘controlled burns’ in gardens and the fires were taking them away from more pressing work during the lock down by helping people affected by the coronavirus crisis.

Fires were also causing an “environmental nuisance,” causing smoke and smells, a particular issue for those people with breathing issues, such as people fighting the virus.

Paul said: “As the weather gets warmer and people are staying at home in line with government advice, we’ve seen a huge increase in residents lighting bonfires and we have had to deal with a number of bonfires that have got out of control.

“So, we are asking Nottinghamshire residents to refrain from having bonfires due to the potential health implications the smoke could have on the respiratory system. Smoke could cause issues for your neighbours, particularly if they're unwell or have an underlying health condition.

“We also ask you to consider the implications this is having on the NFRS at this time. Our firefighters are currently helping to deliver vital medicines, much needed supplies as well as food.”