FIREFIGHTERS in Halton have launched a campaign to keep residents safe throughout the bonfire period. Cheshire Fire And Rescue Service is urging residents to leave firework displays to professionals and attend officially-organised bonfires and fireworks events. The service has revealed most injuries on or around November 5 occur as a result of people building their own bonfires and setting off their own fireworks. Officers say by going to an official event, families and friends can enjoy the fun of Bonfire Night with better value for money and without the risks. Last year firefighters were called out to as many illegal bonfires in Halton as the rest of Cheshire put together. There were 37 incidents from November 4-6 in the borough – the same as the combined total of Cheshire West (20), Cheshire East (five), and Warrington (12). Over the bonfire weekend smaller fire engines, known as a targeted response vehicles (TRVs), will be monitoring high risk areas to enable a quick response to small nuisance bonfires and act as a deterrent. Colin Heyes, the service’s arson reduction manager, said: “This is not about us stopping people having fun – this is about us trying to keep people and property safe from the potentially devastating impact of fire. “We want people to enjoy themselves over this time, but we want them to do it safely.” He added: “A big problem during the run up to Bonfire Night is people building their own bonfires on stretches of public land – this could be in parks, on grass verges or even roundabouts. “People can help us and themselves by reducing the opportunities for people to build bonfires and set other small deliberate fires. “Make sure that wheelie bins are secured if possible and out of view. “Dispose of any other rubbish you have properly. “Do not leave it where anyone could use as bonfire fuel. Small fires adjacent to buildings often lead to much more serious fires which cause severe damage and put lives at risk.” Details of all official displays across Cheshire further information about how to stay safe are posted on the service’s website at www.cheshirefire.gov.uk | 
Article
