With the 5th of November fast approaching, Community Safety partners in East Dunbartonshire are urging people not to play with fire this Bonfire Night.
The partners – made up of East Dunbartonshire Council, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Police Scotland – are working together on a joint approach to minimise antisocial behaviour, discourage the misuse of fireworks and reduce the number of bonfires being built in dangerous locations.
Convener of Place, Neighbourhood & Corporate Assets, Councillor Jim Gibbons, said, “Whilst fireworks and bonfires are an exciting spectacle for many, we are keen to remind those enjoying the festivities how quickly a fire can get out of control and the dangers posed by misusing fireworks. We must also remember that some people find fireworks daunting and frightening so together with our community safety partners, our officers will be responding to reports of unauthorised bonfires and calls of anti-social behaviour caused by people misusing fireworks, which can adversely affect local communities.”
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Area Manager Jim McNeil said, “The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has a zero tolerance approach to deliberate fire raising because it puts our communities at great risk. It presents a danger to life, property and the environment. We will continue to work very closely with our police and local authority partners to ensure that those responsible are identified and dealt with accordingly.”
He added: “It absolutely goes without saying that we prefer to prevent fires – not fight fires. As a result, our firefighters work extremely hard to engage with the public and promote safety messages in order to keep our communities as safe as possible. In the weeks prior to Bonfire Night our personnel visit schools across Scotland to talk to young people about the dangers posed by deliberate fires, as well as fireworks. Parents and carers can also help by making sure that children and young people are aware of the risks of playing with fire and the consequences of deliberately setting a fire. Ensuring that you are aware of where the children or young people you look after are, and what they’re doing, can help keep everyone safe from deliberate fires.”
Chief Inspector Gerry Corrigan, Area Commander for East Dunbartonshire, Police Scotland, added, “Whilst enjoying this time of year, I would like to encourage members of the public to attend official organised events as they are the safest and easiest way to be part of the activities. Misuse or irresponsible use of fireworks can cause significant 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 whilst enjoying activities at this time of year.”
Councillor Gibbons concluded, “Organised displays are undoubtedly the safest way to enjoy Guy Fawkes night and there are a number of free events nearby. If you are heading out to take part in the celebrations have a safe and enjoyable evening.”
Organised displays arranged this year include:
- St Maurice’s High School, Cumbernauld – Saturday 4 Nov (fireworks 7.30pm)
- Drumchapel & West Winterfest, Drumchapel Park – Sunday 5 Nov (fireworks 7pm)
- Strathclyde Country Park, Motherwell – Sunday 5 Nov (fireworks 7.30pm)
- Glasgow Green, Glasgow – Sunday 5 Nov (fireworks 7.30pm)
- Dalmuir Park, Clydebank – Sunday 5 Nov (fireworks 7.30pm).
Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111 or contacted through their website at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
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