Fuel in petrol-driven lawn mowers and petrol cans are potential hazards, check them regularly for leaks.

Spare petrol should only be stored in small quantities, in purpose-made unbreakable containers, suitably sealed and labelled.

If you smell petrol fumes, ventilate the area and make sure nobody smokes or turns electrical switches on or off.

The slightest spark could trigger an explosion.

Garden chemicals such as fertilisers should never be combined or even stored together, as they may produce dangerous mixtures and gases which could be poisonous or explosive.

Never light even a small bonfire or barbecue in windy conditions. A gust can make a fire flare out of control and blow burning embers which may start fires elsewhere.

Keep any fires well away from buildings, fences and hedges.

Never use anything like petrol to start a bonfire and do not burn paint or foam furniture, which can produce poisonous fumes.

Do not put aerosol cans on a bonfire, they can explode.

Use a proper garden incinerator to contain burning waste.

Keep a bucket of water or a hosepipe handy and always remember to keep children and pets well away from the fire.