Remember, remember – the 5th of November

Officers are working closely with Strathclyde Fire and Rescue, East Dunbartonshire Council and trading standards officers to ensure Bonfire Night is safe for everyone.

On Wednesday, October 24, members of the East Dunbartonshire Bonfire Group visited Meadowburn Primary School, Bishopbriggs for their annual ‘Fireworks – Be Safe’ launch ahead of this year’s Bonfire Night.

Formed under the East Dunbartonshire Community Safety Partnership, the Group includes Strathclyde Police, Strathclyde Fire and Rescue and various Departments from East Dunbartonshire Council including Environmental & Community Protection, Education, Roads & Neighbourhood Services and the Emergency Response Centre.

A competition for all Primary 5 and 6 school pupils across East Dunbartonshire, to design a ‘Be Safe’ poster was won by Evie Dolan from Meadowburn Primary School, second prize went to Rhianna Docherty from St Flannan’s Primary Schools and third prize to Lucy Robinson of Baldernock Primary School. All winners received vouchers for WH Smith which were presented to them by Depute Leader of East Dunbartonshire Council and Convener of Housing and Community Services, Ashay Ghai.

He said: “In the lead up to bonfire night, it is important that children are fully aware of the dangers of fireworks and how they can keep safe.

“The poster competition was an excellent way to reinforce the safety messages and the winners did a fantastic job of promoting the ‘Fireworks – Be safe’ campaign with their eye-catching designs.”

The Group is keen to get its safety message out to the public and as part of this, Strathclyde Fire & Rescue is currently delivering Bonfire Safety Talks to all Primary 7 pupils across East Dunbartonshire to encourage them to be safe on bonfire night and to warn them of the dangers associated with antisocial behaviour and fireworks. During these talks the pupils are being given stickers with the message “Fireworks – Be Safe”.

If you intend to have your own fireworks, Trading Standards advice is to only buy fireworks from legitimate sources and follow the fireworks code. Residents are also reminded to check that you buy the right kind of fireworks for your chosen spot as most gardens are less than half the size of the recommended safety distance for fireworks normally sold in shops.

Chief Inspector Roddy Irvine, Area Commander for Strathclyde Police in East Dunbartonshire said: “We are all working together with a common purpose to make this year’s Bonfire Night as safe as possible in order that members of the public can enjoy the evening.

“Unfortunately, antisocial and irresponsible behaviour can accompany Bonfire Night and as such Strathclyde Police will in conjunction with our partners be proactively tackling the misuse of fireworks, illegal bonfires and anyone breaking the law will be dealt with accordingly. If anyone has information regarding the illegal use of fireworks or is concerned regarding the construction of a bonfire please do not hesitate to contact your local police office or East Dunbartonshire Council’s Contact Centre 0300 123 4510.”

Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins, Territorial Policing, said: “Organised bonfire nights and firework displays are always good fun – and we certainly want everyone to enjoy themselves. However, safety should be of the utmost importance, and is certainly our main concern. 

“Bonfire night is one of the busiest nights of the year for both the Fire Service and Strathclyde Police, and sadly some fire crews become the victims of mindless violence. More fire crews are attacked and assaulted during bonfire night than at any other time of the year, so reckless behaviour will not be tolerated.

“Communities can be reassured that we’ve also been working closely with Strathclyde Fire and Rescue and other partners to tackle the illegal sale of fireworks and illegal bonfires. Together we’ll ensure that the correct resources are in place to keep people safe.

“We encourage all residents to make the most of organised firework displays locally. They are cheaper, much more spectacular than ‘do it yourself’ versions, and, most importantly, safer.”

Area Commander, Paul Connelly, from Strathclyde Fire & Rescue, East & West Dunbartonshire Area said: “This is always a very busy time of year for our operational crews and often many of the calls we receive are in response to deliberate or malicious fires. We would ask for your co-operation in keeping yourselves and your communities safe. Join the “Fight against Fire” by ensuring that you do not allow an accumulation of refuse which could be ignited and take note of our Firework Safety advice:

* Attend a local organised display and don’t go near an “unofficial” display where safety rules may be ignored or where dangerous fuels such as drums of oil added to the fire could potentially be a deadly hazard.

* Keep an eye on your children and don’t let them stray too close to any fire or fireworks.

* Consider others. People who are elderly, infirm or unwell will not appreciate the unwelcome noise generated by some fireworks.

* Keep dogs and other pets indoors and reduce chances of them being frightened by explosives and the misuse of fireworks