To report neighbour for having a large open bonfire

[Squirrelsnut]

I'm staying with family in a very rural area. It's extremely dry and warm, surrounded by tinder-dry fields and woods. The neighbour has lit a big bonfire in a smallish orchard area, quite close to our house! The fire is near the hedge and seems quite large.
Should I report it to the non-emergency number, or is that busybodiness?

I would. It could easily be disastrous given how dry everything is at the moment.

Given the current situation I would be dialling 999 and let the Fire Brigade sort it out

@JohnofWessex "I suggest that given the last few summers there need to be bonfire nans"

I volunteer as bonfire nan! Can I go in a helicopter?

I’d do this too. The mind truly boggles!

Do you realise you phone 999 for your local fire brigade!

No, you don't (unless it's an emergency)

As I've said, every local fire brigade has a nonemergency number

If you don't believe me, look it up

Not a 24/7 non emergency number

No, but she posted in the middle of the day so that’s the suggestion I made

I can't say for all fire services but the call handler on a daytime switchboard wouldn't have the same training as phoning the control room (999) who will advise if they would send an appliance or not. In this case I believe they would have gone out.

If he was taking "every precaution" he wouldnt have lit a fire at all. Not given how dry everywhere is atm. Lighting a bonfire atm (for any reason, regardless) is extremely irresponsible.

Glad it got sorted but it happens again definitely call to report it - its how forest fires start. In my country we get forest fire warnings when conditions are too dry and its absolutely prohibited to have any kind of open fire, even a disposable bonfire, and you will face legal consequences.

Insane to have bonfires at the moment! Definitely report

It absolutely is if you think the bonfire is dangerous. I have called 999 before due to my neighbour having a 9ft high bonfire very close to my hedge. They turned up blue lights, siren going and ran out with a hose and put it out. Which they will do if they believe it’s dangerous. If they think it’s safe, no potential to spread they will give advice and leave. But i wouldn’t hesitate to call 999 and let them make that decision.

I can promise people that when the fire spreads (as did eventually happen to my property) it’s devastating to get that phone call with someone screaming telling me my entire garden , outbuildings, office is on fire and the fire brigade aren’t there and that it looks like my house is going to go up.

if in doubt ring 999.

I suggest that the arrival of a fire engine, with sirens and lights followed by the blaze being extinguished gets a message over.