Help us stamp out dangerous bonfires
Fire service ask public to call hotline
With Bonfire Night fast approaching, there’s a reminder that concerns over potentially dangerous bonfires can be addressed if they are reported.
South Lanarkshire Council and Scottish Fire and Rescue have issued a call to put safety first during fireworks season.
Around November 5, firefighters attend an average of 40 per cent more incidents than during the rest of October and November.
On that day alone, there are four times as many call-outs as on any other night, reducing their capacity to attend other incidents.
SFRS Area Manager Alan Fairbairn, the Local Senior Officer for South Lanarkshire, said: “Everyone has their part to play in protecting our communities and preventing tragedy. Having to attend a bonfire that has become unsafe makes a crew unavailable if a real emergency happens, meaning others would have to be sent from further away.
“If someone is trapped in a house fire or after a collision on the roads, it is vital firefighters can get to them as quickly as possible, so we want the public to help ensure they aren’t tiedup at needless incidents.
“By alerting the council to any build-ups of bonfire materials, people can help them act in advance to prevent illegal and unsafe bonfires delaying firefighters getting to people in a life-threatening situation on November 5.
“We want people to have a great time without risking tragedy or horrific injuries, so we’re asking anyone thinking of holding their own bonfire or fireworks display to attend an organised event instead.”
Apart from the drain on SFRS resources, unofficial bonfires also represent a far greater risk of accidents and injuries to those attending them than organised firework displays.
They can cause damage to property and are often a magnet for anti-social behaviour.
South Lanarkshire Council works closely with the fire service to raise awareness of the risks and dangers associated with bonfires and fireworks.
A dedicated bonfire ‘hit squad’ is assigned to each of the four areas that make up South Lanarkshire to safely dismantle and remove unauthorised fires built on council land.
They will be assisted again by the Community Wardens mobile CCTV van.
In addition, while community wardens and other council workers are going about their normal duties, they will also be on the lookout for potential problems for the ‘hit squads’ to tackle, with known hot-spots being monitored.
Michael Mcglynn, executive director of Community and Enterprise Resources at the council, said: “To support the initiative, members of the public who have concerns over bonfires are asked during office hours to ring 0303 123 1020 (Monday to Thursday, 8.45am to 4.45pm, and Friday 8.45am to 4.15pm) or, outwith these hours, to contact our 24-hour hotline number on 0800 242024 and our bonfire hit squads will investigate.
“By choosing to attend only well organised, official bonfire events you can enjoy the bonfires and fireworks of Guy Fawkes Night and keep people, property and vital resources safe.”