Every year thousands of people enjoy fireworks and bonfires to celebrate Guy Fawkes.
While most people enjoy them responsibly, in the wrong hands they can cause real misery. There is a minority of people who deliberately use fireworks and set bonfires.
The weeks leading up to, and around, Bonfire Night regularly see an increase in calls to the Police about anti-social behaviour with fireworks being misused and illegal bonfires being set. This causes nuisance, damage and disruption to communities throughout Fife.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Police Scotland in Fife are working together to prevent irresponsible use of Fireworks.
Last week Methil fire crews attended an incident in Kennoway that was deemed a prank but could easily have resulted into something more serious.
Stephen Thomson, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Station Manager warned:
"Starting fires seem like fun to kids but you can keep your children safe by making sure they understand how dangerous playing with fire can be. They often don’t appreciate that a small fire can quickly get out of control and threaten their lives as well as others.
"Deliberate fire setting puts us all at risk as fighting malicious fires takes valuable resources away from other serious incidents - such as a fire in your home. Children who are starting the fires can suffer serious burns that can scar for life.
"We can all play a part in making this time of year safer. It is against the law for fireworks to be sold to children and young people. If you are aware of this happening please report it to Police Scotland or Trading Standards. We would also encourage the public to report unsafe or dangerous bonfires or bonfire materials and any suspicions of deliberate fire setting. In doing this, we can keep our
communities safer together. The public are requested to pass on any information about who may be responsible for fire setting to Police Scotland using the 101 non-emergency number or Scotland Crimestoppers 0800 555 111."
Police Officers and Community Wardens patrolling their communities are also looking out for illegal bonfires being built they report to Environmental Operations who will uplift material that has been put together for illegal bonfires in public places and housing estates. They will clear up material if people have acted irresponsibly by illegally dumping their rubbish which could be used for bonfires.
Please report any dumped material to Environmental Services on 03451 55 00 22.
Station Manager Thomson added:
"We want people to listen to safety advice and attend organised events so families can keep safe and enjoy the Bonfire celebrations. The best way of keeping safe is
to attend official bonfire events which will also help reduce the number of unnecessary call outs for Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
"We can all play a part in making this time of year safer while having fun. Remember it is against the law for fireworks to be sold to children and young people. Please help us keep people safe by reporting any concerns to Police Scotland by calling 101."
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