Bonfire spreads out of control at Coventry fireworks night

The blaze spread to nearby trees



A Coventry firefighter has issued a warning to bonfire builders after tackling a blaze at a rugby club last night.

Spectators at The Old Coventrians Rugby Club's fireworks display got more fire than was bargained for when the wind caught the bonfire carrying flames over to nearby trees.

Fortunately, a crew from Canley Fire Station was called to the scene and the out of control bonfire was quickly extinguished.

Watch Commander Gibbs, of Canley Fire Station said: "We were called to a rugby club just off the A45, because a bonfire had spread to some nearby trees.

"It was a little bit windy last night, the bonfire was a bit too big, and it was a bit too close to the trees.

"The weather conditions definitely didn't help."

Despite the bonfire blaze, the popular fireworks display went ahead as planned at Old Coventrians and was well attended.

In total, Canley sent one crew, and five firefighters to tackle the blaze.

But with bonfire night itself tonight, firefighters across the city could face more fires.

Watch Commander Gibbs said: "Tonight could possibly be a busy one. But people need to be aware of the weather conditions if they are building a bonfire.

"But a lot of people only bother attending the bigger events these days.

"So touch wood, tonight will be quieter."

The fire at The Old Coventrians Rugby Club marked the end of a busy weekend for the West Midlands Fire Service.

On Saturday night, Canley's Green Watch were called to Earlsdon due to a hedge fire after a firework bounced off of a roof.

Despite dramatic pictures being shared online, there were thankfully no injuries.

Talking to my brother yesterday evening. He worked for the ambulance service in Birmingham and he said that all the paramedics would like to see fires and fireworks bannedThey have twelve ambulances at Henrietta St and never enough on Bon Fire night.

Fireworks night again tonight all over Coventry from the sounds of it.

Same here last night and tonight Dutchman.