Warning after firefighters called to ‘out of control’ garden fire

Crews from Cleckheaton Fire Station were called to a property on Jeremy Lane, Heckmondwike at around 7.45pm on Sunday.

The homeowners had piled up rubbish and trees and ignited it but firefighters said it quickly got out of control.

Crew commander Craig Hill, of Cleckheaton Fire Station, said: “The pile of rubbish was enormous and it was really dangerous.

“It was out of control and could have quite easily have spread to the house. If the wind had been blowing in a different direction we would have been dealing with a house fire.”

Mr Hill said homeowners should only burn small piles of rubbish at a time and ensure it is piled well away from homes, trees or fences.

He said: “If people are going to burn off rubbish they need to make sure it is constantly monitored and away from anything that could catch fire.

“People should never keep fuelling the fire and keep extinguishers nearby at all times.

“This could easily have been a far worse situation.”