'No bonfires' warning as emergency call-outs rise during lockdown

By Ilona Amos
Published 27th May 2020, 12:30 BST
Updated 27th May 2020, 14:08 BST
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Scots are being warned not to build bonfires at home as a way of getting rid of garden waste and household rubbish that has built up during lockdown.

The caution comes after an increase in emergency call-outs across Scotland to deal with blazes in gardens and waste ground that had spread out of control, putting lives and property at risk.

Firefighters dealt with 17 incidents where flames had ignited garages, garden sheds, decking, furniture and fences last month.

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That’s more than double the number of similar incidents in April over the past two years.

Firefighters have been called out to tackle an increased number of blazes started by bonfires that have burned out of controlFirefighters have been called out to tackle an increased number of blazes started by bonfires that have burned out of control
Firefighters have been called out to tackle an increased number of blazes started by bonfires that have burned out of control

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) have highlighted the dangers of lighting bonfires, which can spread to neighbouring homes and spark wildfires in the countryside.