Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is urging the public to remain cautious around bonfires after crews from Pontardulais and Gorseinon attended an incident in Pontardulais in which a male sustained burns to his face after starting a bonfire with petrol.
Station Manager Peter Greenslade says, “Whenever you’re having a bonfire, we advise against the use of accelerants like petrol or diesel as it can be difficult to gauge the quantities used and can be very dangerous as they can cause the fire to flash up.”
The Service urges people to consider the following safety advice when burning garden waste:
- Burn dry material only
- Remain in attendance at the fire at all times
- Do not use petrol, paraffin, diesel or lighter fluids – use fire lighters if the fire will not readily start
- Have a method of extinguishing the fire at hand in case the fire develops out of control, such as a hosepipe or bucket of water
- Inform Fire Service Control that you are having a garden fire, and the estimated period of time that you will be burning for on 01267 222044
Please observe the following advice on burning responsibly:
- Avoid having a bonfire at weekends or on bank holidays when people may want to make use of their own gardens
- Avoid having a bonfire when the air is still or damp which makes the smoke linger, making it take longer to disperse
- Inform neighbours as to when you intend to have a bonfire
Mid & West Wales Fire and Rescue Service offer summer safety advice on their website: www.mawwfire.gov.uk
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