Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service has joined the Prickles and Paws Hedgehog Rescue charity to urge people to build bonfires on the day they are to be lit to save hedgehogs and other wildlife from suffering.
The Fire Service has issued some tips for having a bonfire: Only burn dry materials - damp material causes smoke; build the bonfire away from sheds, fences and trees; check there are no cables above the bonfire; avoid adding petrol to get the fire going as it may get out of control; check bonfires carefully for sleeping hedgehogs and other wildlife before lighting as they like to sleep in them. Lift up the base and listen for any noises, or, if possible, the entire pile should be re-sited before being lit. If it is not possible to move the bonfire use broom handles to lift from the base of the pile, and shine torches, looking and listening carefully for any signs of life and light the bonfire from one side only to give any animals the chance to escape.
If you are planning any kind of controlled burning such as having a bonfire, please contact Cornwall Fire, Rescue and Community Safety Service to inform them on 0203 162 2240. This helps them avoid sending fire engines to false alarms when they could be responding to a real emergency.