Bucks fire service see increase in calls to outdoor fires due to coronavirus lockdown

Joanne Cook, Head of Community Safety said: “During this unprecedented time of people staying home, coupled with improving weather conditions, it is possible that there will be a temptation to start work on the garden or on home renovations.

“Both of these activities have a high likelihood of generating rubbish and waste. Unfortunately, the coronavirus situation has led to temporary closures of local waste management sites and reduced the kerbside collections. This will make it very difficult to dispose of any extra waste generated.

“Ideally we would ask people to avoid having a bonfire, and avoid undertaking an activity that is going to increase the waste you have.

“If you do generate additional garden waste, compost the materials wherever possible, and if this is not an option, store it safely until garden waste collections return to normal.

“As a last resort, if you do decide to have a bonfire, please consider the following advice and guidance which will help reduce the risk of you having a fire related incident. “

- Some parishes and local areas are designated smoke free zones where bonfires are not permitted, so check first

- Check the weather first. If it is windy, the smoke from a bonfire could blow dangerously across a road

- Do not use flammable liquids to start the bonfire

- Do not burn dangerous items of waste such as aerosol cans, paint tins, foam furniture or batteries

- Do not leave a bonfire unattended. An adult must supervise the bonfire until it has burnt out

- If the bonfire has to be left, damp it down with plenty of water to prevent it reigniting

Don’t be tempted to try and dump waste anywhere. Fly-tipping is illegal. The council will remove fly-tipped waste from public land, and if local Authorities are notified, they will take steps to trace the offender. If the waste is traced back to you, you face prosecution.

Jo added: “Fly-tipped rubbish is sometime set alight, and firefighters will often be called to extinguish the fire. We would rather be helping the public in other ways, especially at this time when there are so many people who need help as a result of Coronavirus.

“Please consider the consequences of your actions, and we would encourage you to report fly-tipping immediately if you discover it.”

For information on how to report fly-tipping, contact your local council.