Emergency services make joint plea for families to stay safe this Bonfire Night

After the Covid-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of organised Bonfire Night events, the emergency services are jointly calling for everyone to ‘show respect’ on Thursday, November 5 as people instead celebrate at home.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service is joining forces with Northumbria Police and the North East Ambulance Service to keep people safe during fireworks season.

Richie Rickaby, Area Manager for Community Safety at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: “While most people enjoy fireworks responsibly, in the wrong hands they can cause real misery.

“Remember that fireworks are explosives, and as such should be treated with respect and only used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and the Firework Code.

"Please don’t put extra pressure on firefighters or the emergency services this bonfire period.”

The service is also urrging people ‘not to take risks’ to avoid putting additional pressures on emergency services.

Paul Liversidge, North East Ambulance Service Deputy Chief Executive, continued: “We want everyone to stay safe this Bonfire Night so we ask that people follow all the advice around both fireworks and keeping safe from Covid-19."

The emergency services are asking people to follow the Firework Code, which includes ensuring your display finishes before 11pm, buying fireworks which carry the CE mark, keeping them in a closed box and using them one at a time.

Chief Inspector Nicola Wearing, of Northumbria Police, added: “We do not tolerate anti-social behaviour on our streets at any time – and Bonfire Night is no different.

“Anyone found to be using fireworks illegally and causing disorder by setting them off in the street or throwing them, can expect to be dealt with robustly by our officers and could be fined up to £5,000 or face imprisonment.

“We would ask that people act responsibly and stay safe – and help ensure police and our emergency service colleagues do not need to divert resources towards situations which could be easily avoided.”

Staff are urging people to only call 999 in a life-threatening situation and to be aware of neighbours and animals over the bonfire season.

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