25 October 2007
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging members of the public to visit an organised bonfire and firework display this year instead of holding their own.
Last year West Yorkshire firefighters were called to 90 bonfires on November 4 and 128 bonfires on November 5. And the latest statistics published by the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform reveal there were 60 firework injuries treated across the county’s hospitals in 2005.
The number of incidents dealt with by the emergency services during the bonfire period would be vastly reduced if people visited well-organised community bonfires.
Senior Operations Manager Ian Gilchrist said: “We would like everyone to enjoy Bonfire Night and the days leading up to it. But most importantly, we want everyone to stay safe during this period.
“Organisers put a great deal of thought and planning into large community bonfires, which means you don’t have to. The firework displays are spectacular and the entrance fees are usually much cheaper than what it costs to buy a box of fireworks, with proceeds usually going to charity.
“But remember that a sparkler reaches a temperature of up to 2,000c – that is 20 times the temperature of boiling water – so parents should also be mindful of the dangers of giving sparklers to children, even at organised events.”
Skelmanthorpe Fire Station in Cumberworth Road is organising a bonfire which will take place behind the station on Friday, November 2 from 6.30pm, with the firework display starting 8pm. Adults are charged at £2 and children £1, with all proceeds going to a local charity which is yet to be decided. And Ossett Fire Station in Dale Street is organising a bonfire behind the station, also on Friday, November 2 from 6.30pm. It costs £2 for adults and £1 for children, will all proceeds going to Yorkshire Air Ambulance and the Fire Services’ Benevolent Fund.
West Yorkshire’s community fire safety staff are currently busy visiting schools to teach children the importance of staying safe on Bonfire Night, while fire officers are working closely with West Yorkshire Trading Standards to stamp out the illegal storage and sales of fireworks.
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For further information contact Kelly Thornham in the Media and PR Unit on 01274 655807.
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