Derbyshire residents warned not to have bonfires at home as events cancelled due to virus

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, events are being cancelled across the county, with organised bonfire celebrations being no exception to the restrictions that are being imposed.

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service (DFRS) is warning residents that although it may be tempting to have a bonfire at home, they can soon get out of hand.

Fire prevention group manager Kevin Page said: “With safety in mind, we know that Bonfire Night is time when people gather to mark the Gunpowder Plot with fireworks and a bonfire, but this year with organised events being cancelled we are concerned that more people will turn to their own gardens to host a bonfire party.

“A garden bonfire can easily get out of hand with fire spreading quickly from hedges, overhanging trees and garages to the house. Not only do these fires pose a serious risk to you, your family, your property and the public, but out of control bonfires take our crews away from other potentially life-threatening incidents.

“By calling on people not to have a bonfire we are not aiming to spoil people’s fun, we are simply aware of what can and does go wrong and this year there is the potential for more garden fires than ever – so we are trying to keep everyone safe.”

In addition to fire safety concerns around bonfires in gardens, the service is also reminding people of the current guidance on the limit of people allowed to meet socially.

Chief inspector Emlyn Richards, who is leading Derbyshire Constabulary’s response to Covid-19, said: “We’d like to remind the public that current legislation to prevent the spread of coronavirus states that there are limits on the numbers allowed for social gatherings.

"This varies depending on the local Covid alert level for your area, so please visit the government website to ensure you are aware of the current restrictions in place locally by visiting ww.gov.uk/guidance/local-covid-alert-levels-what-you-need-to-know.”