Firefighters issue Bonfire Night safety warning (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

'Go to organised events' appeal

7:00am Thursday 1st November 2012 in News

Firefighters issue Bonfire Night safety warning

Firefighters in Bradford have urged residents to enjoy their Bonfire Night at an organised event this year.

Crews in West Yorkshire last year dealt with 103 bonfire-related incidents between November 1 and November 8 – of which 34 were in Bradford. They attended 118 in the previous year and fire chiefs were keen to ensure the downward trend continued this year.

Throughout the Bradford district, fire prevention teams and firefighters have been busy meeting with residents and community groups giving safety advice and ensuring rubbish is cleared away.

Areas visited have included the Leeds Road area, Amberley Street, Lapage Street and the Attock Park area.

Group manager Jim Butters, Bradford district commander for the fire service, said: “Most accidents happen at small parties, which is why we recommend people go to organised community displays. You will see a fantastic show and it usually means you will be supporting a local charity.”

Officers have also undertaken a programme of primary school education packages in a bid to ensure everyone has a happy and safe bonfire period.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, along with West Yorkshire Police, will be tweeting timely safety reminders in the run-up to and over the bonfire period, using the hashtag #WYBonfire, in the hope that followers retweet to spread the vital safety messages.

Follow both at @West_Yorks_FRS and @WestYorksPolice.

The brigade has also promoted the highly successful Gone in a Flash campaign again this year, which shows in graphic detail how fireworks and bonfires can wreck lives if not used responsibly.

For anyone who still chooses to hold their own bonfire celebrations, here is some advice to keep your guests safe and avoid a visit from your local firefighters:

* Site the bonfire well away from houses, garages, sheds, fences, overhead cables, trees and shrubs and always away from fireworks

* Check that no children or animals are hiding inside the bonfire before lighting it

* Build the stack so that it is stable and will not collapse outwards or to one side

* Keep everyone away from the fire, especially children who must be supervised at all times

* In case of emergency keep buckets of water, the garden hose or a fire extinguisher ready

* Pour water on the embers before leaving

* DO NOT use flammable liquids

* DO NOT burn man-made materials such as foam-filled furniture, aerosols and tins of paint or bottles.

* And finally, people are warned if they are going to drink alcohol they should wait until the bonfire and fireworks are over.

For further advice visit westyorks fire.gov.uk.