Risk news

Householders have been advised to show caution when lighting bonfires to get rid of rubbish from the garden.

With people set to welcome in the spring by heading outdoors and tidying up their green space after the winter months, Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) said it is anticipating a rise in the number of bonfires.

Stuart Skilton, head of community safety, recommended that residents get their garden rubbish taken away by a green waste collection team, or alternatively said they could take it to a recycling centre.

But he went on to issue guidance for anyone who is set on having a bonfire.

"Take extra care and never use petrol, barbecue lighting fluids or other accelerants on them," he advised.

Blazes should never be left unattended and householders should never try and tackle out-of-control fires themselves, KFRS added.

Earlier this month, the brigade also urged people not to attempt to fight fires starting in chip pans.

All employers are legally required to carry out fire risk assessments. The toolkit that is supplied guides you step by step through the fire risk assessment process.