Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) is urging residents to inform them before lighting bonfires after firefighters were called to an unattended blaze at the weekend.

On Sunday (September 1) crews from Cornwall Fire and Rescue (CRFS) were called to an unattended bonfire in St Eval at 3.50pm.

Upon arrival, they found a blaze containing electrical items, oil items, and other industrial waste.

The crew extinguished the fire using a hose reel and the landowner was informed about the incident upon their arrival.

Following this, Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service are advising people to inform them when they are planning to start a bonfire.

 

With the darker evenings approaching and bonfire season upon us, Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service is urging residents to plan bonfires sensibly.

Controlled Burning

A CRFS spokesperson said: “If you’re planning a bonfire in Cornwall, inform us before you start.

“This helps us avoid sending fire engines to false alarms when they could be responding to a real emergency."

The fire service is also letting people know who to contact ahead of the planned bonfire. 

“Call us on 02031622240 and tell the critical control operator your location, if the burn is domestic or commercial property, the time you intend to start burning, and confirmation when you have finished," the spokesperson added. 

CRFS also stated that with controlled burns, it is “illegal to leave a fire unattended”, or “to have too few people to control it.”

“Always ensure a fire is completely out before you leave it and check the next day to ensure it has not reignited,” the spokesperson explained.

Building a bonfire

CRFS suggest that when building a bonfire, only burn dry material, as damp material can cause more smoke.

It also urges people to build bonfires away from sheds, fences, and trees and to check for hibernating or sleeping hedgehogs.

Other advice includes:

  • 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 re-ignition.
  • Bonfire guidance

Burning of waste on campfires and bonfires.

CRFS explained that if people comply with the requirements in this regulatory position statement (RPS) they 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,” said the spokesperson.

“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 here: https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/media/wweenire/cc-leaflet-burning-of-waste-material.pdf.

For further information contact the Environment Agency on 03708 506 506 or by email at enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk.

Irresponsible behaviour

Anyone with information on fires being started deliberately in the countryside is advised to anonymously call.

  • Crimestoppers free on 0800 555 111 
  • Devon and Cornwall Police on 101

Arson puts both the public and firefighters at unnecessary risk. It ties up resources that could be in demand for other more serious incidents.