Every year thousands of people celebrate Guy Fawkes night. Fireworks are safe if used responsibly, but they can cause real misery if misused.
The week leading up to, and around, Bonfire Night regularly see an increase in calls to Police about anti-social behaviour with fireworks being misused and illegal bonfires being set. This causes nuisance, damage and disruption to the local communities.
Station Manager Alex Hume said: “Managing fireworks issues in the community is about striking a balance between responsible enjoyment by the majority and irresponsible use by a minority. The misuse of fireworks can have a range of impacts on the community, and in the wrong hands fireworks can be damaging and dangerous.
“There are laws about when fireworks can be sold, and to who – as well as the times fireworks can be set off.
“It is an offence to set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am (or after midnight on bonfire night), to modify, tamper with or misuse fireworks, to throw or set off fireworks in any highway, street, thoroughfare or public place and to sell fireworks to anyone under 18.”
Station Manager Alex Hume continued: “We would urge every member of the public who is thinking of holding their own bonfire or fireworks display to attend an organised event instead. These events are professionally organised, much more spectacular than a DIY display and most importantly it’s much safer for you, your family and your friends – we want you to have fun and stay safe.
“We want everyone to be able to celebrate on 5 November and have fun but in a safe way that doesn’t require the intervention of the emergency services.
“When our crews are called to attend bonfires it means we have to divert resources away from other emergencies and life-threatening calls – that could end tragically for anyone who truly needs our urgent help.
“We would encourage the public to report unsafe or dangerous bonfires or bonfire materials and any suspicions of deliberate fire setting. In doing this, we can keep our communities safer together.
“The public are requested to pass on any information about who may be responsible for fire setting to Police Scotland using the 101 non-emergency number or Scotland Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.”
Environmental Services will uplift material that has been put together for illegal bonfires in public places and housing estates. They will clear up material if people have acted irresponsibly by illegally dumping their rubbish which could be used for bonfires. Please report any dumped material to Environmental Services on Email: environmentalhealth@edinburgh.gov.uk Tel: 0131 529 3030
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
