CREDITON Police has issued a reminder to the public that the lighting of bonfires in parks and on private property without permission is not permitted.

Crediton Firefighter Liam Lowey, a Special Constable with Devon and Cornwall Police, said there has been a spate of fires in recent weeks in the Crediton area in locations where fires should not be lit.

SC Lowey said that the public should be aware of the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service fire safety guidelines which relate to bonfires and fires.

He said it was particularly important to take note of these guidelines when the weather is dry.

He added that he hoped that people would report suspicious fires to the relevant authorities.

The six steps to have a bonfire safely are:

1 Build your fire a safe distance away from anything that could catch on fire e.g. fences, trees, sheds or your house. Make sure it is not underneath any electricity cables.

?2 Follow Fire Service advice on what you shouldn’t burn – see the “what not to burn” table.

3 Tell the Fire Service when you’re having a bonfire by calling on 0333 399 0014. This is so that it can check in with you if it receives any 999 calls reporting a fire in the same area. This stops the Service from sending firefighters out to bonfires when they’re not needed.?

4 Stay with your bonfire at all times. Keep a bucket of water or hose nearby. You should also have a way of calling for help nearby in case of emergencies e.g. mobile telephone. Bonfires can easily spread and get out of control quicker than you may think.

?5 Keep pets and children at a safe distance away from the bonfire and never leave them alone with a burning fire.

?6 Make sure the fire is completely out before you leave it. Once the bonfire is finishing, spray it with water to stop it restarting. The embers can stay hot for a long time so make sure it’s cool before you leave it unattended.

What not to burn: fuel (e.g. petrol, diesel), household rubbish (e.g. plastics), aerosol cans, lighter fluid, tyres, fireworks, gas canisters, foam, paint and anything wet.