Firefighters called to reports of 'out of control' bonfires in the St Austell area
Crews are urging people to take the necessary precautions to help stop flames from spreading
Firefighters were called out to reports of several out of control bonfires in the St Austell area over the weekend.
Crews say the flames had spread to surrounding areas on Saturday afternoon.
They are urging people to consider whether bonfires are necessary at the moment and to ensure all precautions are in place to help stop any fires from spreading.
"This afternoon a crew from St Austell have been mobilised to 2 bonfires in different locations that have got out of control and spread to surrounding areas.
"Due to the current dry weather it is advisable to consider whether it is really necessary to have a bonfire and if you still wish to proceed then ensure that you have put in place all necessary precautions to stop any fire spread.
"If you are having a controlled burning please notify Critical Control on 02031622240."
Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service
Building a bonfire
Only burn dry material. Damp material causes more smoke.
Build the bonfire away from sheds, fences and trees. When you are building it, please check that there are no hibernating or sleeping hedgehogs like Horrace!
Check there are no cables, like telephone wires, above the bonfire.
Do not use petrol or paraffin on any fire at any stage.
Bonfire safety tips
Once the bonfire is lit, make sure you follow these guidelines:
Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby, in case of emergencies.
Don’t leave the bonfire unattended.
Keep children and pets away from the bonfire.
Don’t throw any fireworks onto the fire.
Don’t burn aerosols, tyres, canisters, or anything containing foam or paint. Many of these produce toxic fumes and some containers may explode, causing injury.
Fully extinguish all fires before leaving to prevent reignition.
Bonfire guidance
Burning of waste on campfires and bonfires. If you comply with the requirements in this regulatory position statement (RPS) you can burn waste without an environmental permit on campfires at Scout and Guide centres and Guy Fawkes’ night bonfires.
Business and commercial waste. The burning of business and commercial waste is an offence, unless under an exemption authorised by the Environment Agency. Any business and commercial waste should be disposed of via a licensed waste carrier, or taken to an authorised site and disposed of as business and commercial waste. Further information on the disposal of business and commercial waste can be found from the link above. Contact the Environment Agency on 03708 506 506 or email them at enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk.
You can find more advice here.