Scottish Fire and Rescue Service warn public on the risk of home firework displays

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have asked the public to consider the dangers of the private use of fireworks, after many large scale public Bonfire Night events have been cancelled.

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Alasdair Perry, who is the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Head of Prevention and Protection, said: “For the second year running Bonfire Night will be significantly different to previous years as some large scale public events across the country are being cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions, and in Glasgow due to the COP26 event.

“The Service is well resourced and prepared for this annual period of celebrations that includes Halloween, Diwali and Bonfire Night, as well as this year COP26, and we have robust measures in place to ensure we can continue to respond to emergencies.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“There is no doubt that we welcome the continuing support of our communities - by following all available safety guidance from ourselves and our partners, they can help reduce the risk of harm wherever possible.

“What we’re asking this year is for the public to consider the risks of hosting a private event involving either fire or fireworks. Every year people are injured by bonfires and fireworks and admitted to hospital - and children are particularly at risk.

“We are therefore strongly encouraging anyone who is considering having a private event to think again. Those who choose to do so should familiarise themselves with the fireworks code and fire safety guidance. Do not take risks because the consequences can be devastating.”

Read More
Arthur's Seat: Emergency service attend city centre beauty spot as fire reported

November 5 is usually a busy night for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. In 2020, Operations Control received 1100 calls from members of the public, while crews responded to more than 500 bonfires within an eight-hour period.

Scottish Fire and Rescue are warning the public against putting on home fireworks displays, as firework accidents can result in extensive and “life-changing” trauma to the hands and face.Scottish Fire and Rescue are warning the public against putting on home fireworks displays, as firework accidents can result in extensive and “life-changing” trauma to the hands and face.
Scottish Fire and Rescue are warning the public against putting on home fireworks displays, as firework accidents can result in extensive and “life-changing” trauma to the hands and face.

There were also 12 recorded attacks on firefighters, which DACO Perry addressed, saying: "We know it's a very small minority of people who engage in anti-social behaviour, but there's no question it can impact on our firefighters and Operations Control colleagues as well as our partners.

"A deliberate fire can also put property, resources and indeed lives at risk so it goes without saying that we will always take a zero-tolerance approach to fire-setting and attacks on our crews. We are continuing to engage positively with young people wherever possible to raise awareness of the dangers."

The advice has also been backed by the Scottish Government.Minister for Community Safety Ash Denham said: “The Scottish Government’s ambition is for all of Scotland’s communities to be safe places for everyone to live, work and enjoy. We all have a part to play in making that vision a reality.“Fireworks can be hugely damaging and distressing and that is why it is now illegal for the general public to set off fireworks before 6pm and after 11pm. This is extended to midnight on 5th November. This is an important step forward in tackling the misuse of fireworks and I encourage anyone who witnesses or has information about criminality relating to fireworks to report it, so that action can be taken to prevent further harm to our communities.”

For more on how to stay safe this Bonfire Night visit https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/your-safety/fireworks-safety.aspx

A message from the Editor:Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by Coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription.