Fire chiefs have urged people to not leave bonfires unattended after tackling two blazes in Fenland over the weekend.

The first fire was at the rear of a house in Elliott Road, March, on Saturday shortly after 10am.

A large bonfire had been left unattended and was out of control.

Firefighters from March fire station took about 30 minutes to extinguish the blaze.

Yesterday, Chatteris firefighters were called to a fire in the open in Westbourne Road at 6.50am. A fire in a garden was out of control and had spread to about 10m of fencing and a small shed.

Crews were at the scene until 8am.

A fire service spokesman said: “Whether you are a resident, business or tradesman, you should never leave a bonfire unattended as these fires can quickly become out of control and spread.

“We would instead recommend you take materials to a waste and recycling centre to avoid lighting a fire altogether.”

The spokesman added: “Think about the weather before lighting a bonfire, and avoid doing so in windy conditions.

“Also, it is important to remember to build any bonfires well away from trees, fences and property to avoid it spreading.”