Advice available on community bonfires

Posted by The Journal on Oct 2, 09 11:51 AM in News

Groups planning to hold community bonfires in Northumberland next month are being offered advice on how to ensure the events go ahead safely.

A series of workshops is being held this month by the county's fire and rescue service in a bid to avoid injuries, accidents and mishaps involving bonfires held around November 5.

The workshops will also seek to ensure that organised bonfires and firework displays don't present a danger to the public and don't result in unnecessary calls to the fire service at a traditionally busy time.

Brian Hesler, county chief fire officer and director of community safety, said: "During October and November the fire service is called to numerous bonfires across the county.

"These may be false alarm calls to well-run family or community events or calls to bonfires that are out of control or can be attributed to anti-social behaviour.

"Each time a fire engine is called to a bonfire it prevents the appliance being available for another emergency.

"We are keen to do all we can to prevent any danger to the public and ensure that our appliances are available for the real emergency situations. We hope that these workshops will help to take those planning safe, organised events out of the equation."

The workshops will cover issues such as carrying out risk assessments, site suitability, bonfire construction and safety procedures.

Dates and locations of workshops are available on (01670) 534786 or by emailing your contact details to communitysafety@northumberland.gov.uk

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