Bonfire Blaze in Chatham Sparks Tough Fire Safety Warning
Firefighters rushed to a bonfire gone wild in Chatham, battling flames that leapt from the pyre to a garden, shed, and house wall. Three fire engines tackled the blaze, using powerful jets to stop the fire from invading the home’s interior.
Firefighters Stop Blaze Before It Hits Home
The Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) technical rescue team joined the scene alongside a building officer, assessing heat damage and making sure the house was still safe to live in. Thankfully, the quick response prevented any major structural damage inside.
Top Tips to Keep Your Bonfire Safe
Fire crews are urging everyone to follow simple steps to prevent disasters:
- Build bonfires well away from trees, fences, and buildings.
- Construct the fire so it collapses inward as it burns.
- Never leave a bonfire unattended—supervise until it’s fully out.
- Avoid lighting fires on windy days.
- Keep a bucket of water or hosepipe on hand just in case.
- If the fire gets out of control, call 999 immediately and get to safety.
“Don’t try to tackle an out-of-control fire yourself,” firefighters warn. “Safety first!”