A fire chief has urged people to alert the fire service of plans to burn rubbish in their gardens.

Fairweather Green fire station Watch Commander John Musto issued the plea after a crew was called to a false alarm. A member of the public dialled 999 after seeing flames near a home in Haworth Road, Heaton, on Monday.

Mr Musto said: “There was nothing wrong with the member of the public calling 999. But, if we had known someone had been having a bonfire first, we would have asked the caller more questions to determine whether it was controlled burning of rubbish, as this was. If you are going to burn rubbish, in the back garden, call the fire brigade first, so that we know about it.”

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service can be contacted on 01274 682311.