I AGREE with "Loudwater Resident's" plaint about bonfires (Letters, June 1).

A few tips derived from a time when I was involved in helping prevent forest fires, might help although the first thing to do is to see if your council has laws about bonfires, or covenants for certain areas about times when bonfires are permissible.

My hints are:

Try to have garden fires only when the smoke will be driven by the wind between houses, rather than into them. And not close to your or others' homes.

Light to moderate winds are best; avoid strong winds, which can spread fires from sparks.

Always have a large bucket of water or a dribbling hose available in case your fire gets out of hand.

Make sure your neighbours' and your own windows are closed, to prevent damage to drapes etc from sparks.

It is forbidden to put chemicals, rubber etc and other causes of noxious fumes, on a fire.

Always check under your heap of bonfire material, in case hedgehogs etc are there

If you have green material to burn, keep it to a minimum and put it at the bottom of your fire. It is more likely for the dry material above it, to get good and hot and not only burn down into the greenery, but consume its smoke.

Never leave a bonfire smouldering, especially when you go to bed. Not only can smouldering material produce a stench, but if a wind comes up, the heap may burst into flame and send sparks into neighbouring homes or your own! Give the fire a good soaking before leaving it.

And remember Mondays is usually when the ladies put their fresh washing on the line.

If in doubt, ask the fire service.

Denham Resident

(Name & address supplied)