Don't have bonfires during coronavirus pandemic, Derbyshire residents urged

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service (DFRS) said there has been an increase in the number of people burning waste in their gardens.

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The service also said it has been contacted by a number of residents who have found it hard to go into their own gardens to exercise due to smoke coming from fires being held by other people nearby.

Lee Smith, DFRS prevention and inclusion group manager, said: “We fully appreciate that people will have excess waste as they are spending much more time at home – but we would really discourage people from burning it in the garden so we are asking them to pledge not to have a garden fire at this time.

“Garden fires can very easily get out of control and we have to send a full crew to deal with it.

“The smoke can also cause real issues for people with respiratory illnesses.

“We’ve had reports from some people who haven’t been able to go out in their own gardens.

“At a time when we all need to come together, we’re asking that, while they’re staying at home, people head to our website and pledge not to have a garden fire during the ongoing pandemic.

“It only takes 30 seconds and will make a big difference to your community.”

To sign the pledge, visit www.derbys-fire.gov.uk/pledge

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