Fire chiefs urge people not to take risks with fireworks

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has urged caution if people are planning their own events at home.

November 5 is a traditionally busy period for the emergency service - it attended more than 2300 deliberate fires during the four weeks leading up to Bonfire Night last year - and it fears there could be more problems as people try to celebrate during a period of restrictions.

Alasdair Perry, Deputy Assistant Chief Officer (DACO) said: "We would urge all of our communities to follow advice and guidelines around social distancing to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Offender attacked staff with a sandwich in Bainsford Greggs

"We know this means that people may consider hosting their own events this year but we would urge caution around doing so because every year people are injured by fireworks and admitted to hospital - and children are particularly at risk."

He continued: “We strongly encourage anyone who does wish to host a private event to reduce the risk by ensuring to familiarise themselves with our firework code and fire safety guidance.

“Do not take risks because the consequences can be devastating.”

DACO Perry said a small minority who engaged in anti-social behaviour impacted on firefighters and operations control colleagues

He added: “"A deliberate fire can also put property, resources and indeed lives at risk so it goes without saying that we will always take a zero-tolerance approach to fire-setting and attacks on our crews."

Thank you for reading this story on our website. In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, we are asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper. Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the highest standards in the world. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper. Thank you.