Take care on bonfire night

Oct 22 2009 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

PLANS for bonfire night have sparked a safety message from West Lothian emergency crews.

Police have joined forces with West Lothian Council, fire and rescue staff and other services, to make sure local residents enjoy a safe firework season this year.

Officers are working with Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service and the council to put a stop to any dangerous bonfires.

However, they are also urging the public to report any concerns they may have about a bonfire in their area.

Inspector Drew Mutter, from Lothian and Borders Police said: “We hope everyone has great fun while staying safe this bonfire season.

“Although it is an exciting time, the risks involved in playing with fireworks should always be remembered.

“This is traditionally a busy time of year for all the emergency services, but many calls could be avoided if people were more aware of the safety of themselves and others.

“It must be remembered that fireworks are, in essence, explosives, and should only be bought from reputable retailers and used in a safe controlled environment.”

Firefighters say they were pleased to see a drop in calls last year and hope the trend will continue this year.

Group manager, Andrew Girrity from Bathgate Fire Station, said: “Last year Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service saw a reduction in the number of calls.

“This reduction has been linked to the vital community safety and prevention work carried out by crews and partner organisations leading up to bonfire night, with a helping hand from the wet weather which kept the number of incidents down.

“At this time of year the fire service is regularly called out to extinguish uncontrolled or badly sited bonfires, putting pressure on resources immediately available for more serious incidents, including house fires and road traffic accidents, where our life-saving equipment is really needed.

“We want everyone to enjoy this time of year but stay safe and stick to supervised bonfires and firework displays.”

Council chiefs are warning traders to remember the law on the sale of fireworks.

Executive councillor for the environment, Robert De Bold said: “The council’s Trading Standards Service will this year be continuing efforts to ensure the safe and responsible handling of fireworks throughout the coming fireworks season.

“The focus will be on repeating our successful test purchasing exercise with the help of young volunteers from local schools and utilising powers to revoke storage licences where unsafe or inappropriate storage is discovered.”

Ed Machin, Principal Trading Standards Officer, added: “We want people to enjoy fireworks. Minimising the risk of injury and reducing the nuisance factor of fireworks will ensure that the fireworks season can be enjoyable for all.

“Anyone with any queries or concerns about the sale, storage or safety of fireworks should contact Trading Standards on 01506 776410.”

Anyone with concerns over a bonfire being built in their area should call the council on 01506 775000, or call police on 0131 311 3131.