Bedfordshire council share joint appeal against bonfires during hot weather
People in Bedfordshire are being warned against having outdoor bonfires and garden fires as the county faces a very high risk of wildfire.
Bedfordshire is currently experiencing a 'very high' wildfire risk, according to the Fire Severity Index, with fire crews seeing an increase in incidents outdoor fires.
The combination of record-breaking temperatures during June and July and prolonged dry weather has left grassland, vegetation and open spaces vulnerable.
Mark Garrett, head of protection and response at Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Our crews are dealing with a noticeable increase in call outs to outdoor fire-related incidents.
"These incidents are often avoidable and can take considerable time and resources to contain due to the exceptionally dry conditions across Bedfordshire.
"We are urging residents to think carefully about their actions and help prevent avoidable fires this summer by avoiding bonfires and other unnecessary outdoor fires."
Now, Bedfordshire’s councils are calling on residents to get rid of their waste at tips, rather than burning it.
Cllr Nicola Gribble, from Bedford Borough Council, said: "We strongly advise against bonfires during the hot summer period and encourage residents to safely dispose of waste through local recycling facilities and collection services. There are a range of convenient alternatives available, and we would encourage people to visit our website for further information on recycling and waste disposal options."
Leader of Central Bedfordshire Council, Cllr Adam Zerny, said: “It only takes a single spark to ignite dry grass or vegetation, and what may seem like a small incident can quickly escalate into a large fire with devastating consequences for people, property, wildlife and the environment. By taking simple precautions and thinking carefully about our actions, we can all play a part in keeping our communities safe during this high-risk period."
Cllr Tahmina Saleem, leader of Luton Council, added: "Household waste recycling centres offer a safe and responsible way to dispose of larger garden waste items, while home composting can help residents recycle organic material and support healthier gardens throughout the summer."
People are also reminded to take care when disposing of smoking materials responsibly, not using disposable barbecues in dry areas and reporting fires immediately by calling 999.