Firefighters are urging people to take care when having bonfires and to make sure they are an appropriate size for the premises, following a near miss last night. Kent Fire and Rescue Service was called to Knight Avenue in Canterbury to reports of a bonfire out of control in the back garden of a property, where a party was being held. One fire engine attended and crews extinguished the bonfire, which contained lots of tightly packed wood pallets, with a hose reel jet.The crew manager in charge said the garden fence was very close to catching fire due to radiated heat, and probably would have done so within a few minutes had the fire service not been called. Firefighters gave advice to the occupants about how to have a safe bonfire, including the importance of having buckets of water prepared nearby, or a hose pipe ready to go, in case it gets out of control. Leanne McMahon, Group Manager for Community Safety said: “Lots of people will be enjoying bonfires and firework displays this weekend, and if the right safety precautions are taken, it can be great fun. Here are our simple steps for a safe bonfire:• Build your bonfire well clear of buildings, garden sheds, fences, hedges and overhanging branches.• Keep bonfires to a manageable size and evenly built so that they collapse inwards as they burn.• Always check the bonfire’s construction is still sound prior to lighting it, that there are no children or animals hiding inside, or that hazardous items such as aerosols and fireworks have not been thrown onto it.• Using flammable liquids to help start a bonfire is dangerous, as is burning dangerous items such as aerosol cans, paint tins, foam furniture or batteries.• Never leave bonfires unattended. We always suggest that an adult should supervise it until it has burnt out. If it has to be left, damp it down with water.• Keep a bucket of water or hosepipe nearby in case of emergency.• Make sure that the fire is out and surroundings are made safe before leaving.”Visit our website for more safe bonfire and firework display tips - http://www.kent.fire-uk.org/your-safety/home-safety/a-z-of-safety-what-…