A GARDEN bonfire which got out of control ended up torching neighbours’ fences and sheds.

The fire which was started at a garden in Morton Road, Fernhill Heath, near Worcester on Wednesday, July 27, has prompted firefighters’ warnings to people thinking of having a bonfire this summer.

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service has warned people to check weather conditions and the location of their bonfires.

Three fire engines were called out at about 2.10pm, after firefighters got 14 calls about the blaze which had spread to tinder-dry conifer trees.

Station Commander Dean Baker said: “The bonfire had been lit near some conifer trees which, due to the dry conditions and the breeze on the day, quickly caught light.

“The fire then spread along the row of conifers into six neighbouring gardens, destroying fencing and a total of eight sheds and outbuildings.

“Thankfully no one was injured but we want to use this incident to highlight our garden bonfire advice.”

Advice: - Locate your bonfire clear of buildings, garden sheds, fences and hedges - Avoid burning garden waste when it is windy - Never use a flammable liquid to start the fire, and never burn aerosol cans, paint tins, batteries, tyres or foam-filled furniture - Keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby as a precaution - Before lighting, check there are no animals hiding or children playing in the bonfire - Never leave the bonfire unattended.

- Use plenty of water to damp the fire down