Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service urges Safety over bonfire period

Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service is working closely with Merseyside Police and Council partners to keep people safe and reduce anti-social behaviour over the Bonfire period with these safety messages: Bonfires and Fireworks •Please do not give anyone, especially young people, combustible materials. In addition to this, please do not flytip or leave flammable materials lying around that could be used to build bonfires. •Bonfires are only allowed on private land with the owner’s permission, and must be supervised by an adult at all times. Keep water handy, and ensure the fire is completely out before leaving it at the end of the evening. •If a fire engine is called out to deliberate bonfires, wheelie bin fires and rubbish fires, this may delay a response to other emergencies. •You are advised to attend one of the many organized displays held at venues across Merseyside. You can find details of all displays on your local council’s website. •If you do have a display at home, it should be carried out by a responsible adult and they must follow the Fireworks Code. •You should only buy fireworks from retailers with a registration from Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service. •Pets can become frightened by fireworks, and should be kept indoors if possible. Wheelie Bins •Wheelie bins can become easy targets over the bonfire period. Please only put your bin out on the day of collection, and bring it back in immediately. Hate Crime •Firework misuse, anti-social behaviour and arson attacks against anyone who has been specifically targeted due to the colour of their skin, their sexuality, race or religion can be classed as a hate crime and will not be tolerated. Dedicated teams are available to catch offenders. This type of incident carries severe penalties for those who are convicted. Bonfire removal •To report an unsafe bonfire, the storage of bonfire materials that need to be removed, arrange a Home Fire Safety Check or for arson prevention advice, call Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service on 0800 731 5958. Outside office hours, please leave a message with your details and a contact number. In an emergency, always call 999. Station Manager Paul Kay, Merseyside Fire & Rescue Arson Reduction and Incident Investigation Lead, said: "Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service would like everyone to enjoy the Bonfire night period as safely as possible. Organised events are the best way to watch and enjoy fireworks as they provide controlled displays delivered by people familiar with fireworks in places that are suitable." "We would encourage people to take advantage of organised events rather than arrange their own at home."

A film was launched for schools across Merseyside last year 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 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.