FIRE chiefs are urging people not to light bonfires or use disposable barbecues following a number of call outs in Warwickshire.
Crews were called last weekend to deal with a number of bonfires which had got out of control as people made the most of the hot weather and easing of lockdown restrictions.
Tim Sargent of Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “We’re not sure how many times we can say this. With the dryer ground and the potential devastation woodland fires can cause, please do not have a bonfire in the woods or use disposable barbecues.
“Our firefighters have been extremely busy over the weekend dealing with bonfires that have got out of control or been left unattended.
“It’s just beyond irresponsible to leave fires like this unattended or to have them in the woods in the first place.
“We have been lucky so far that we haven’t had to deal with fires like the ones on the Lancashire Moorlands, but it won’t be long before we have to if people continue to light fires in woodland areas.
“Please help us to ensure that our firefighters are available for life risk incidents and not dealing with fires that are completely avoidable.”
Warwickshire County Council safety spokesman Coun Andy Crump also appealed to residents to heed the fire safety advice.
He added: “Our priority is as always to protect the communities of Warwickshire. “Woodland fires can be devastating and can cause untold damage, not just to the immediate area, but also to the wildlife living in that area. To have a fire like the ones in Lancashire could be devastating and we really don’t want to be in a situation where our communities are affected in this way.
“So please follow the advice of the fire and rescue service and do not light bonfires in woodland or open spaces or use disposable barbecues.”
Visit www.facebook.com/warwickshirefireandrescueservice for further details.
