Salford Fire Team has called on the public to use its firework amnesty hotline to dispose of unused fireworks.
This comes as Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) released statistics that showed 1,366 fires were started between September 1 and November 10 last year. Meanwhile, during this bonfire period, 15 firefighters dealt with physical attacks and both police and firefighters received 984 hoax calls.
To report an illegal bonfire contact your local council.
🔥 If the fire is out of control call 999.
🎆 Members of the public can dispose of unused fireworks safely, as part of our fireworks amnesty, by calling 0800 555 815.#BangOutOfOrder #BonfireNight pic.twitter.com/p2J39Fppec
— Salford Fire Team (@salfordfireteam) October 31, 2023
GMFRS’ Director of Prevention and Protection, Assistant Chief Fire Officer Leon Parkes, said: “This is an incredibly busy period for our staff. They deal with many dangerous incidents and they should never feel under threat of attack or be sent to a hoax call when we’re so busy with real incidents.
“Setting fires, throwing fireworks and making hoax calls can cost lives and keep our firefighters away from dealing with life-threatening incidents.”
In conjunction with this appeal, GMFRS have launched a campaign called ‘Bang Out Of Order’ to attempt to reduce pyrotechnic-related anti-social behaviour.
Sarah Scullion, NWAS Operations Manager, said: “Anti-social behaviour can have a lasting impact on our staff and our emergency service colleagues, who dedicate themselves to attending to people who need help.
“Not only could you end up with a criminal record, but you could seriously injure those that are there for you in your time of need.”
She emphasised that at this time of year GMFRS have to deal with many preventable injuries including burns from fireworks, “which in many cases can have life-changing consequences.”
Greater Manchester’s Deputy Mayor for Policing, Crime, Criminal Justice and Fire, Kate Green, said: “We want everyone to enjoy the Halloween and Bonfire period safely. If your child is planning to go out during this period, make sure you know where they are, what they are doing and how to contact them.”
Fireworks legally went on sale in the UK from 15 October at GMFRS selected vendors and the fire service have a Firework Safety Code to keep unused fireworks safe at home.
These include buying fireworks that meet safety standards marked CE, storing them in a metal box, keeping distance when lit and keeping water in a bucket nearby.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Leon Parkes, said: “Please speak to your children and young people about the consequences of anti-social behaviour and attacks on emergency service workers who are just doing their jobs and working in potentially dangerous situations to save others.
“No one should be attacked for trying to keep you, your families and your communities safe.”
Salford Fire Team shared the GMFRS firework amnesty hotline on social media and it can be contacted on 0800 555 815.
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