Firefighters were called to Ramsey yesterday (Sunday) after a garden rubbish fire got out of control.

The fire service took this picture of a firefighter using a hose reel to put out the fire, which spread to a van.

One fire engine from Ramsey station attended the scene at Lark Hill.

Fire station officer Mark Caley explained: ’This started as a garden rubbish fire which escalated and spread to a van parked close by.

’The crew used breathing apparatus and two hose reels to extinguish the fire and were in attendance for 40 minutes.’

The fire service issued advice to anyone thinking of having a garden spring clean and burning their garden rubbish.

- Before you light the bonfire make sure that it is clear of overhead obstructions such as power cables, tree branches etc.,

- Give yourself at least six metres’ clearance from items such as fences, hedges and central heating oil tanks,

- Make sure the vegetation surrounding the bonfire won’t allow for the fire to spread, have a garden hose on standby,

- Phone the Emergency Service Joint Control room on 697326, before you light the bonfire and give the address of your bonfire, so we don’t receive false alarm calls from persons who see the smoke and think the property is on fire,

- Have some consideration for your neighbours: are their windows shut? Is their washing on the line?

They won’t thank you for filling their house with smoke or having to redo their washing.