Bonfire safety film launched for schools across Merseyside

A film has been launched for schools across Merseyside advising children and young people about the dangers around Bonfire Night.

The bonfire safety film, launched by Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, has been designed as an education and awareness tool for primary and secondary schools.

It tells the story of a teenage boy injured after an aerosol can is thrown on to a bonfire and the impact this has on his own life as well as that of his family.

A version aimed at young people of secondary school age shows the story from the point of view of the teenager.

The primary school version of the video tells the story from the perspective of the boy’s younger sister.

Both videos are available to view on the Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service YouTube page www.youtube.com/user/Merseyfire

Watch Manager Ian Mullen said: “The bonfire period is traditionally the busiest time of year for the Fire and Rescue Service as a result of deliberate fires caused by anti-social behaviour.

This year we have launched the video to prevent children and young people being injured by bonfires or fireworks around Bonfire Night."

“The film has been well received in schools across Merseyside where it has been presented by our firefighters, our prevention staff and police officers. The aim is to educate young people to think about the positive ways they can behave so that they can enjoy a safe Bonfire Night.

“If we can prevent a child or a teenager being injured this year then the hard work that has gone into producing the video will have been worth it.

“I would ask parents to ensure their children attend an organised display this year rather than building a bonfire.

“Deliberate fires can easily get out of hand and we have attended call-outs where children have been burned resulting from bonfires. The lasting effects can be devastating, so I would urge people to take extra care this year.”

Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service advises parents to keep children safe by ensuring they know the dangers and consequences of fire setting and firework misuse.

Planned activities this year include engaging young people in positive activities such as free caged football events, which are being provided in communities by the MF&RS charitable arm Fire Support Network.

There will also be high visibility policing and advice to shops around the sales of fireworks.

A Merseyside Police spokesman said: “This video is a reminder to all of the consequences and dangers around unsupervised bonfires and the impact one act of stupidity can have, with life-long implications.

“We are working alongside colleagues in the fire service, going into schools and working with young people, to remind them of these dangers and point people to the organised events, that are taking place across Merseyside.

“Officers will be out and about over this period and will be dealing robustly with anyone who is acting anti-socially. However, I would ask people to take responsibility for themselves, their children and their neighbours and report any incidents of anti-social behaviour to us.”

Watch the bonfire safety films here.....

Secondary school video:

Primary school video:

To report an unlit bonfire call Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service on 0800 731 5958. Outside office hours please leave a message with your details and a contact number.