South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue issue safety warning ahead of bonfire night
Firefighters across South Yorkshire are urging people to stay safe on Bonfire Night after receiving 300 calls last year.
The force said that across the 5 and 6 November 2020 they dealt with over 130 incidents ranging from small grass fires to arson attacks and believe that many of the incidents could have been prevented.
The force has issued the following advice:
Attend organised bonfire and firework displays if possible – these are generally cheaper and more spectacular than doing your own.
If you are having a bonfire, ensure it isn’t excessive in size, keep it away from fences, trees, sheds and houses, and never use accelerants to ‘get it going’.
If you’re setting off fireworks you should ensure they are also placed away from trees and fences and purchased from genuine suppliers.
Be vigilant when it comes to deliberate fire setting – keep your bins out of sight and report anything you know about arson to FireStoppers, anonymously, on 0800 169 5558 or via firestoppersreport.co.uk.
Station Manager Steve Jones said: "It’s been a tough 18 months, and we know people will be excited to celebrate Bonfire Night with family and friends. We’re ok with this, we just want people to do it safely.
"One of the most common, preventable incidents we attend over this period are bonfires that have gotten out of control. So our advice on this is simple – if you’re having one – keep it small and away from things that it could set light to.
"There are then the less preventable incidents we attend, deliberate fires and arson attacks. But there is always work we can do to reduce these and I call on people right across South Yorkshire to be vigilant and, importantly, tell us if you know anything."
Staff from emergency services in South Yorkshire have been speaking to thousands of students about bonfire and firework safety.