Plea for Scots to 'be kind' and 'act responsibly' on Bonfire Night

Scotland's chief fire officer has issued a plea for Scots to "be kind" and act responsibly this Bonfire Night.
The public has been warned to 'act responsibly' on Bonfire NightThe public has been warned to 'act responsibly' on Bonfire Night
The public has been warned to 'act responsibly' on Bonfire Night

Martin Blunden from Scottish Fire and Rescue said Bonfire Night will "feel very different" this year as he urged people to follow the coronavirus guidance and avoid gatherings of more than six people from two households to watch private firework displays.

Mr Blunden said last year fire crews attended 760 incidents, 90 per cent of which were "deliberate incidents or deliberate fires".

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Speaking at the Scottish Government's coronavirus briefing, he said: "If you thinking of having a private display, be kind.

"Think about those with sensory impairments or with neurological differences such as autism. Think about older people, think about those with pets and those people who may be affected by your display."

Mr Blunden added: "It's very important that we do everything to reduce the strain on the emergency services during this time to make sure that we're available for other emergencies as they occur.

"The consequences of accidents involving fireworks are often life-changing and it's often in the private displays where we see these sort of things happening.

"So I'd encourage you to go to our website - www.firescotland.gov.uk - and familiarise yourself with the guidance that we have there to make sure that your display in your own garden is a safe display."

Mr Bluden asked members of the public to only buy fireworks from reputable retailers and warned people to be mindful of giving sparklers to children.

“If you’re going to have a bonfire, please don’t use paraffin or petrol to light your bonfire, and once your bonfire is lit, don’t then leave it unattended,” he said.

“[Sparklers] are one of the most dangerous fireworks you could give to a small person. Please don’t give them to someone under five, please light them singularly, supervise children when using them.

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First Minister Nicola Sturgeon thanked firefighters for their hard work across the Covid-19 pandemic.

She said: “The fire and rescue service is an integral and important and highly valued part of Scotland’s response to situations like the pandemic.”

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