Firefighters in Cheshire are urging people to think twice before they light a bonfire or have a firework display in their garden this year.

Due to Covid-19 and the current restrictions, and the fact that all professionally organised bonfires are cancelled, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is concerned that the spike they saw in garden fires at the start of lockdown may repeat itself around Bonfire Night.

The service says starting any fire can be extremely dangerous and may lead to disastrous consequences and is encouraging people to consider safer options to celebrate Bonfire Night that does not involve flames or fireworks.

Station Manager Andy Gray is the Deliberate Fire Reduction Manager for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.

He said: "Our top priority during this period is to ensure public safety. I would ask people not to be tempted to celebrate this Bonfire Night with a fire and fireworks in their own garden.

"Our message is clear – please don't be tempted to do so as it brings with it a huge amount of risk. Any fire can quickly get out of hand and spread to fences, sheds and properties. It can also cause harm and endanger life. I would therefore urge people to stay safe by thinking of other ways of celebrating the event instead."

Suggestions for an alternative safer Bonfire Night include planning a themed meal or a having a special movie or games night together with the people in your household.

Firefighters will be working closely with police and local authorities in the run up to Bonfire Night, to help keep the number of incidents as low as possible, so if anyone spots a build-up of rubbish, intended to be used as a bonfire, they are encouraged to report it to their local council immediately by calling 0300 123 5011.

The fire service also reminded people that wheelie bins are also a real hazard if left outside properties and could be involved in a deliberately set fire and to only put them out on collection days.

Since the start of lockdown (23 March), the service saw a 93 per cent increase in its 999 calls for firefighters to attend fires involving private/domestic gardens/allotments over a six month period (ending 30 September), compared to the same period in 2019.

Sixty-four per cent of fires attended during this period were accidental due to people lighting them in their gardens and these either got out of control or were left unattended and spread to nearby fences, hedges, sheds or property.

Andy added: "We saw the impact garden fires had on our emergency cover at the start of lockdown so our concerns are genuine. This is the busiest time of year for our firefighters anyway - the concern is that this resource could be stretched even further.

"We do understand that people will want to celebrate Bonfire Night, but I would hope that this year they follow our advice and consider safer options.

"If they don't, I would seriously urge them to take extra care and think about safety first, before enjoyment."

The service has provided this advice for anyone considering using fireworks in a bid to help keep everyone as safe as possible:

• Stand well back
• Keep pets indoors
• Keep fireworks in a closed box
• Only buy fireworks that are CE marked
• Light at arm's length, using a taper
• Follow the instructions on each firework
• Never give sparklers to a child under five
• Don't drink alcohol if setting off fireworks
• Always supervise children around fireworks
• Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves
• Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them
• Never go near a firework that has been lit - even if it hasn't gone off it could still explode
• Pour water on the embers before leaving

Superintendent Jo Marshall-Bell, from Cheshire Constabulary, said: "It has been a tough year for many, and we recognise that seasonal festivities are really important for mental health and wellbeing.

"We really want you to have fun this Bonfire Night but to do so safely, within the law and bearing in mind the current situation with the pandemic.

"This year we need to celebrate a little differently, and now more than ever we need to pull together to help slow the spread of the virus.

"I'm confident the majority of residents will stick to the rules, but there will be an increased officer presence across the county to provide reassurance and for anyone who may have any concerns over the Bonfire period."

For more information about bonfire and firework safety please visit the advice page.