THERE has been a huge spike in out of control garden fires in the region - and local emergency services have launched a campaign to prevent the issue getting even worse in the run up to Bonfire Night.

West Yorkshire Fire And Rescue Service were called to 125 garden fires between the start of lockdown and the end of September.

This compared to just 75 incidents in the whole of 2019.

And with many of the large, organised bonfire events in the region having been cancelled due to the Covid 19 pandemic, there is a fear that more unregulated events will be held - events that are much more likely to get out of hand.

The issue was discussed by members of West Yorkshire Fire Authority at a meeting last month, who said this year's Bonfire season would be "very different."

With a month to go until Bonfire Night, the fire service has launched its annual bonfire safety campaign.

Emergency services preparing for 'very different' Bonfire season

Many of the 125 garden fire call outs since March 23 were the result of fires spreading to neighbouring areas or properties.

And the service says the uses of fireworks at these unofficial events by non-professionals "has the potential to end in disaster."

Area Manager for Fire Prevention Scott Donegan said: “We are about to enter a very unusual bonfire period whilst the country is in the midst of tackling a pandemic.

"We are very conscious of the potential dangers associated with people taking to their gardens to host their own bonfire.

“Handling fireworks is best left to the professionals and with public events cancelled, our plea to residents this year is to not risk being injured or having to call on the emergency services or NHS at a time when they are so desperately needed in the collective fight against Coronavirus.

“Having a bonfire at home carries the risk not only of personal injury but also of a fire spreading to your or your neighbours’ home which would be devastating for people to contend with at this time alongside the pressures that Coronavirus is already bringing to our doors.

“The Fire Service is not trying to ruin anyone’s fun and we are also downhearted not to see people being able to enjoy themselves as they usually would but we must pull together, observe the Coronavirus restrictions on gatherings across West Yorkshire, and find a way to celebrate Bonfire Night without the involvement of fire or fireworks this year.”

Chief Superintendent Damien Miller, of West Yorkshire Police, said: “Typically, the Bonfire Night period is one of the busiest times of the year for all of the emergency services. However, this year, unlike any other year, the current restrictions and guidance in relation to the ongoing Covid19 pandemic will mean that formal events will not be taking place.

“We urge people to continue to follow the guidance and local lockdown restrictions which are in place across the majority of West Yorkshire and to avoid having fires in gardens.

“Throughout the Coronavirus pandemic, we have continued to engage with the public regarding restrictions as they have evolved and this will remain our approach. Our officers will continue to focus on engaging, explaining and encouraging with enforcement where necessary.

“Any anti-social and criminal behaviour will not be tolerated and we need our communities to help us provide information about anyone involved in this potentially dangerous behaviour.

“We want people to enjoy the celebrations and above all have a safe and fun Bonfire Night.”

John McSorley, Head of Operations (West Yorkshire) at Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said: “I would like to echo the messages of our emergency service colleagues and emphasise the need for safety to be everyone’s priority. We are all living in unusual and challenging times and Bonfire Night is just one of many celebrations this year that won’t be able to go ahead as normal.

“We hope that people can find safe alternatives of celebrating and ensure they abide by the Covid-19 restrictions in place.”