T
his year, with many organised fireworks displays cancelled due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, Community Safety Partners in East Dunbartonshire are urging local residents to play it extra safe this Bonfire night.
The partners – East Dunbartonshire Council, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Police Scotland – work together every year, taking a joint approach to ensure the night passes as smoothly as possible by encouraging local people to attend organised fireworks displays.
However, this year, with the absence of many organised events, there will be greater risk to the broader community due to a potential increase in informal firework events taking place locally.
The Community Safety partners have begun working together to minimise antisocial behaviour, reduce the number of bonfires being built in dangerous locations, increase awareness of firework safety and discourage their misuse.
Joint Leader of the Council, Councillor Andrew Polson said, “Traditionally, many local residents in East Dunbartonshire enjoy Bonfire Night festivities safely by attending an organised display, but unfortunately this year these have been cancelled in line with current restrictions in place to manage the COVID-19 pandemic. We anticipate this will lead to people hosting their own fireworks events, which could lead to an increase in serious injuries across East Dunbartonshire.
“We would urge anyone considering putting on an informal event to plan properly, follow the advice of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (https://www.rospa.com/home-safety/advice/fireworks-safety/) and adhere to current guidance on physical distancing and meeting people from other households. Please remember bonfires that are not properly constructed or supervised pose a very real threat to the safety of everyone in the community and whilst fireworks can be great fun, they can be extremely dangerous.”
Joint Council Leader, Councillor Vaughan Moody added, "For many people, the run up to the 5th of November and the night itself is a very scary and stressful time. Antisocial behaviour involving the misuse of fireworks or the setting of dangerous bonfires are a nuisance to us all and will be tackled head on.
"Our Community Wardens are already working with Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Police Scotland to deal with reports of unauthorised bonfires and antisocial behaviour. Our Trading Standards Officers will be carrying out inspections of all premises licensed to sell fireworks to ensure that they are complying with the law. Checks are being carried out to ensure items are stored safely, that they are legally compliant and that fireworks are not supplied to anyone under the age of 18."
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service's Head of Prevention and Protection, Alasdair Perry said, "Due to the impact of COVID-19 and social distancing, public events involving large gatherings will not take place as planned. We continue to remind those considering hosting an informal private fireworks event to think about the impact of fireworks on others including the broader community, pet owners and emergency service workers.
"There is no doubt that fireworks present a genuine risk to spectators, particularly children, and that's why it is vital that anyone planning to host a private event familiarises themselves with our Fireworks Code before purchasing fireworks.
"In addition to the risk presented to the public, the impact on emergency services is traditionally significant. Last year we received nearly 900 calls from the public and attended more than 350 bonfires. While we will always respond where required, people across Scotland can help us by being mindful of the dangers presented by fireworks and to ensure they are aware of all key safety advice before hosting an informal event.
“For more on our Fireworks Code visit https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/your-safety/fireworks-safety.aspx”
Chief Inspector Lorna Gibson, Area Commander for East Dunbartonshire, Police Scotland, added, “I appreciate there will be no organised events this year owing to COVID-19 and while I understand that this will cause disappointment, it is unavoidable under the circumstances. I would urge members of the public to be mindful of the risks associated with fireworks if they plan on hosting a family event. I would also like to remind anyone planning a private event that they must do so in line with current COVID-19 guidance.
"Misuse and irresponsible use of fireworks can cause lasting injury and have a detrimental effect on local communities due to the noise and associated antisocial behaviour. Along with our community safety partners, we will be out proactively tackling firework misuse and illegal bonfires to ensure people and communities are kept safe.
"We are working with our communities and while we want people to enjoy themselves, we will take positive action against anyone participating in disorder or antisocial behaviour.”
Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111 or contacted through their website at www.crimestoppers-uk.org