Firefighters deliver bonfire night warning after 375 calls last year
Tyne and Wear Fire Service received 375 calls on bonfire night last year, with children as young as two years old treated for injuries.
Kids as young as two years old were treated for bonfire or firework related injuries last year, according to new figures.
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service is urging local people to enjoy bonfire night safely, as it prepares for its busiest night of the year this Saturday.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Chris Lowther, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said:
“Bonfire night is one of our busiest night of the year. We see a sharp rise in the number of calls from the public and in the number of incidents we attend.
“Whilst a number of these incidents are smaller fires, such as rubbish and wheelie bins being set alight, this still presents a risk to the public and means our fire crews are not available for more serious incidents.
“Bonfires and fireworks can be fun and exciting, but they can also cause devastating injuries. To make sure your bonfire experience is filled with fun, rather than fraught with danger, our advice is to attend an organised display.”
Last year on bonfire night the service’s control room received a total of 375 calls, compared to a daily average of 83 calls during 2015. Fire crews attended 162 incidents, compared to an average of 39 per day during the same year. A short video entitled Stay safe this bonfire night, which was filmed during live incidents, shows the risk to communities and the lives of firefighters caused by unofficial bonfires and opportunist fires.
Twelve people aged between two and 39 were treated for bonfire and firework related injuries in local hospitals in 2015, and there were three attacks on fire crews while they were attending incidents.
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority Chairman, Cllr Tom Wright, said: "Bonfire night continues to be one of our busiest times. We are working closely with our partner agencies to help keep people safe.
“When you plan how you and your loved ones will spend bonfire night this year, please take on board these key safety messages to ensure you have an enjoyable and safe time.”
Follow these simple safety tips to keep safe this year:
- Attend an organised display rather than having your own bonfire - Remember that alcohol and fireworks don’t mix - Always supervise children around fireworks - Never give sparklers to children under five - Keep pets indoors - Report illegal bonfires that are being built to your local council - Call 999 to report any illegal bonfires that have been lit - Avoid opportunist fires by bringing your wheelie bin in as soon as it is emptied
A number of organised bonfire and firework displays are taking place throughout the area, and this is by far the safest way to enjoy the evening. Visit www.twfire.gov.uk/bonfire for a range of safety information and details of organised displays.