Norfolk Fire Service has urged people not to start bonfires, after they were called out to six false alarms.

Fire crews have warned about the danger of bonfires after they were called to six false alarms on Monday night.

Greg Preston, Head of Prevention and Protection at Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service, said not only is it a nuisance for neighbours but there is a threat of it spreading out of control.

And as the pandemic continues, it also means firefighters are having to unnecessarily expose themselves to other people.

Mr Preston said: “We have been called to an increased number of incidents of controlled burning and bonfires in Norfolk in recent days.

“We would encourage people not to burn garden waste at this time. As well as being a fire risk, the smoke can also increase breathing difficulties among vulnerable people and is unpleasant for neighbours.

“Our crews are abiding by social distancing as much as possible, except for emergency situations.

“Any interactions we have with the public increases the risk of virus spread so we would urge people to take extra care in their home and garden to help us keep Norfolk as safe as possible and ensure we remain available for emergencies.”

More details about home fire safety are available here, www.norfolk.gov.uk/fire