West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service are urging bonfire revelers to make the most of the celebrations while making safety a priority this bonfire night.
With coronavirus restrictions lifted, the annual festivities offer a different picture from last year with dozens of organized events to be held around West Yorkshire – providing a safer alternative to fires and fireworks at home. The Fire Service is working with local partners including councils, West Yorkshire Police, and Yorkshire Ambulance Service so everyone across the region can enjoy the days surrounding 5th November.
Maximum public safety
To help maintain maximum public safety, the service will draft in additional resources in the days leading up to and after bonfire night. Bonfires that are safely managed will be allowed to continue, while those posing a danger to people or buildings may be extinguished.
The service will be working with local partners to provide educational school talks for young people. Firefighters will conduct spot checks with the local authority to remove fly-tipping that could be targeted for arson. Unfortunately around bonfire night, there are often reports of antisocial behavior in the local communities - and they are encouraging residents to help them, help the users by challenging this behavior in friends and family.
Traditional levels of activities
Sparklers should never be given to a child under five, must always be held at arm’s length"
Area Manager for Service Delivery, Scott Donegan, said: “Following the bonfire cancellations last year, we want people to go out and enjoy what promises to be a fun time of year across our region, however, our priority is that people reduce any risk to themselves, others and celebrate safely! If possible, it’s best to go to an organized event as the bonfires and firework shows are bigger and more spectacular, as well as of course being much safer. But if you do plan to have a bonfire in your own garden then please follow our guidance.”
“That includes only adults buying fireworks, and only from a reputable retailer. Read and follow the Fireworks Code. Think carefully about where you place your bonfire, how you will keep it under control and how you’ll make sure both adults and youngsters are safe around the fireworks and the flames. Staying safe with sparklers is crucial. Sparklers should never be given to a child under five, must always be held at arm’s length and in a gloved hand. Once they have gone output sparklers in bucket of water or sand.”
Bonfire night gatherings
Chief Superintendent Daniel Greenwood, commander of West Yorkshire Police’s operation for Halloween and Bonfire Night, said: “Whilst concerns around COVID-19 remain present and a number of organized events will not be going ahead, we do anticipate this Autumn will see a return to traditional levels of activities such as trick or treating and Bonfire night gatherings.”
“I want everyone to enjoy both evenings in the right way and simply ask everyone to be considerate of particularly elderly or vulnerable members of the community who may be more affected by the noise and activities this time of year brings. Chief Superintendent Greenwood added that while both evenings were among the busiest for police services, police would be patrolling to offer reassurance to residents. If anyone is concerned for their safety or has witnessed anti-social or criminal behavior then I urge them to contact the police using 999 if it is an emergency or 101 or online methods if not.”