FIRE chiefs have been faced with a rise in calls to garden bonfires and barbecues that have "spiralled out of control".

It comes as the UK government instructed residents across the country to stay at home and only to go outside for essential reasons.

As previously reported by the Daily Echo, firefighters across Hampshire have began preparing to retrieve bodies during the Covid-19 outbreak.

Now, Hampshire Fire and Rescue service are warning people to consider how bonfires and outside cooking can affect neighbours, and that it puts an increased strain on the local fire service.

A spokesperson for the service said: "We are committed to providing support to other emergency services during the Covid-19 pandemic so reducing preventable fires and incidents caused by barbecues and garden bonfires is essential.

"Garden bonfires can easily get out of hand which not only compromises your family’s safety but also puts an extra strain on fire services who are doing all they can to help in the fight against Covid-19."

They are instructing people not to leave barbecues unattended; to always light them well away from sheds, trees and fences; and to keep a bucket of water or hosepipe nearby just in case of emergencies.

They added: "This will give us more capacity to support vulnerable members of the community so, please help us to help you and your community by staying safe and considering others whilst you’re enjoying some fun in the sun."

Residents are also warned not to dispose their household waste in garden bonfires.