Warning about garden fires after incidents in Sleaford area

Over the coming weeks of self isolation and social distancing due to Covid-19, residents may be tempted to tidy up their sheds and gardens, and with councikl tips being closed, may consider burning their waste.

A fire service spokesman said: “We are receiving several calls a day from people reporting fires in their neighbour’s gardens. The majority are controlled burns with owners in attendance. We do not extinguish these types of fires.

“Please be mindful of your neighbours before commencing a controlled burn.”

They warn that bonfires can put extra pressure on your emergency services, as well as causing discomfort for anybody nearby with respiratory problems. Ask yourself, do you really need to have that bonfire?

On Sunday night, just before midnight, a fire crew from Billingborough had to go out to a property on Middle Street in Rippingale where embers from an unattended bonfire had set alight to a garden shed.

The shed and contents were damaged in the ensuing blaze, along with a gren house, some fencing and garden furniture.

The firefighters eventually put it out with a hose.

The day before, on Saturday, a Sleaford fire crew was called out just before 5.30pm to a chimney fire on Sleaford Road, Leadenham.

There was damage to the interior of the chimney and light smoke damage to the ground floor of the property.

It was put out using a hose chimney gear.

A build up of soot was blamed for starting the fire.