Firefighters are urging residents to take extra care after crews were called to six garden-related fires across West Sussex in less than a fortnight.
West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service says the incidents happened between 23 April and 3 May, with crews attending fires in Broadbridge Heath, Crawley, North Bersted, Southwater and Gossops Green.
On 23 April, six fire engines and an aerial ladder platform were sent to a significant fire in the open on Church Road, Broadbridge Heath. The blaze affected two properties and firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used high-pressure hose reels to bring it under control. There were no casualties and the fire is believed to have started accidentally.
The following day, crews were called to Kidborough Road in Crawley, where a garden fire at a mid-terrace property had spread from the rear of the building towards the roof. Five fire engines and an aerial ladder platform attended. Firefighters used two hose reel jets and one main jet to extinguish the flames. There were no reported injuries and the cause is also believed to be accidental.
Further incidents were reported on 30 April in Greencourt Drive, North Bersted, and Woodlands Way, Southwater. Two fire engines responded to a garden fire affecting the rear of a property in North Bersted, while four fire engines attended a garage fire in Southwater.
In Crawley, firefighters were called to a balcony fire in Crosswater Road on 2 May, which was out on arrival. The next day, four fire engines attended a significant fire in Pollards, Gossops Green, where eight gardens were affected and two sheds were well alight.
Crawley Fire Station Manager James McGrath said: “With more people spending time in their gardens this bank holiday weekend, we want to remind everyone of some simple steps they can take to help prevent fires and keep themselves and their neighbours safe.
“Never leave barbecues unattended and always keep them well away from anything that could catch fire, including fences, sheds, dry grass, and garden furniture.”
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