WITH temperatures set to rise again in the coming week, people are being reminded urged to ditch bonfires at home for both safety and social reasons.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has reminded residents to take extra care when enjoying the outdoors over the next week – with temperatures set to reach at least 28 degrees in parts of the county.

In a social media communication, the fire service asked residents to “please don't have a bonfire at home. The conditions are still very dry and the fire could easily get out of control”.

They added: “Let’s face it, they can also be rather annoying to neighbours, especially when windows are open due to the warm weather.”

However, the service did issue some top safety tips if having a bonfire is “absolutely necessary”.

These are:

  • Make sure you have a garden hose to hand
  • Site it well away from fencing, trees and the property
  • Never use petrol or other accelerants to get it started
  • Don’t leave it unattended

Group manager Dave Waters said: “The lack of rain means the ground is really dry, and any fire will spread even more quickly than usual as a result. The risk is as great in your garden as it is on a heathland but taking extra care, and perhaps doing things a bit differently to usual, can make a huge difference to staying safe.”

Visit dwfire.org.uk/safety-outdoors for more information.