In the build up to 5th November, Humberside Fire and Rescue is urging residents to be extra vigilant to ensure the season goes with a bang for all the right reasons.
Allen Cunningham, Group Manager Community Safety Central Support, said:
“We don’t want to spoil people’s fun, but I urge residents to enjoy this time of year responsibly. I would encourage people to attend organised events rather than putting on their own bonfire, as often this is where problems can occur.”
Last year, Humberside Fire and Rescue Service were called to 46 incidents on 5th November alone across the region. Although this was a 26% decrease on 2012, every effort will be made to reduce that number further this year.
“Our attendance at these types of incidents can put pressure on our resources when there may be a greater need for us elsewhere,” Allen added.
One major issue for the service is the build up and burning of household waste in open areas. The debris left on public land after illegal bonfires is unpleasant for residents, potentially dangerous to children and animals and expensive to clear up.
Members of the public are urged to report any build ups in their area which they deem dangerous or even a nuisance. By calling their local council, residents can alert environmental teams, and the areas can be cleared before they are even lit.
Extra ‘pairs of eyes’ will be utilised in built-up areas. Anything picked up over the next couple of weeks on CCTV cameras will alert the emergency services or Waste Management teams to effectively deal with the problem.
Humberside Police’s Community Reassurance Team will also be working with Special Constables in order to provide extra patrols over the bonfire period to support Humberside Fire and Rescue Service with any issues they may have when attending bonfires.
Chief Inspector Lee Edwards of Humberside Police said:
“The 5th of November is a great time for family and friends to come together, and we want people to remember bonfire night for all the right reasons, not because they ended up in the hospital with serious injuries as a result of inappropriate items being burnt.”
“The work that Humberside Fire and Rescue do around bonfires is important both to those taking part in the fire and also the local community and all we ask is that people allow us to help them provide a safer bonfire night for all concerned.”
Anyone identified acting in an anti-social way or causing disorder, which prevents the fire service doing their job – tackling fires that have the potential to cause damage to property or threaten ham life in the weeks before and after Bonfire Night – will face possible arrest by the Police patrols.
Fireworks are part of the bonfire night celebrations but if not used properly, can be very dangerous. The Fire Service urges residents to follow this safety advice to ensure people’s safety:
• Use only BS 7114 Fireworks. Check this when you are buying. All reputable dealers will only sell fireworks to this standard.
• Keep fireworks in a closed box
• Follow the instructions on each firework
• Light all fireworks at arms length
• Stand well back
• Never go back to a lit firework
• Never throw fireworks
• Keep pets indoors
