People across South Yorkshire encouraged to attend 'organised' bonfire night events

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service are calling on people in the region to stay safe this weekend

Author: Chris Davis-SmithPublished 4th Nov 2022

People across South Yorkshire are being urged to attend an 'organised' bonfire night event-instead of anything on a smaller scale.

The region's Fire & Rescue service have been speaking to us ahead of the annual celebration which's due to take place tomorrow.

Area Manager Matt Gillatt has this advice for those who're set on hosting their own gathering:

"If people are going to have their own bonfire, then it needs to be done safely.

"Think about where you're going to position your bonfire. Don't put it too close to any sheds, buildings, fences, or trees.

"If people are going to use fireworks, then make sure they're appropriate for home use and the follow the instructions carefully.

"If people are able to attend an organised event, that would always be our choice for people.

"It's organised, it's safe and precautions are in place to keep people safe so that they're able to see the fireworks and bonfire."

Meanwhile, Mr. Gillatt also says firefighters normally deal with more abuse at this time of year-with it getting darker at an earlier time:

"We always brief crews around sort of staying safe when they're attending incidents.

"It's vital they've got enough resources for each incident.

"We do get support from the police when it's needed.

"It is an unfortunate circumstance when we get crews who end up being attacked on the job."

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