Plymouth residents asked to report bonfire stockpiles
Plymouth residents are being urged to report any stockpiles that are appearing in their neighbourhoods ahead of Bonfire Night.
Illegal bonfires are dangerous and are often associated with anti-social behaviour. Plymouth City Council is asking people to report piles of wood and other materials on 668000 so they can be cleared away.
Cabinet member for Co-operatives and Community Development, Councillor Chris Penberthy said: “We want people to enjoy bonfire night festivities. Sadly big unauthorised bonfires can become sources of anti-social behaviour so it’s better for local communities if they are cleared away. This tactic has proven successful over the last few years and we have seen a significant drop in many types of anti-social behaviour and our communities have a much more pleasant time.”
This is part of the multi-agency campaign with partners including the police, fire service and housing associations to ensure everyone in the city has a safe and fun Bonfire Night.
Other measures include:
- Encouraging people to attend properly controlled community events and the Council's highly successful Bonfire Night celebrations on Plymouth Hoe
- Checks to ensure anyone selling fireworks is fully registered or licensed
- Cracking down on businesses selling fireworks to under 18s
There were 61 police incidents over the Halloween and Bonfire Night period in 2012. Superintendent Chris Singer said: “Many unauthorised bonfires result in avoidable calls to the emergency services during one of the busiest periods for the police and fire service. Unauthorised bonfires present a significant risk to people and property and are often the cause of instances of anti-social behaviour or criminal activity acquiring materials to be burnt.
"We would encourage local residents to report the stockpiling of material for bonfires or anti-social behaviour around the use of fireworks.
“I want to reassure local neighbourhoods that we will be take action in relation to offences regarding the use of fireworks or anti-social behaviour around attempts to organise unauthorised bonfires.”
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service Station Manager Ros Clarke said: “During the run up to and on Bonfire Night last year the Fire Service attended over 40 incidents in Plymouth which were attributed to deliberate fire setting. Time spent at these fires resulted in appliances not being readily available to attend other emergency situations which could put lives at risk.
"We appeal to the public to be vigilant and report the accumulation of combustible material which could be set alight and we urge them to attend properly organised and authorised events.
“This time of year reminds us all of the dangers of fire and I would like to take this opportunity to remind people to test their smoke alarms, with Christmas just around the corner many houses will be filled with additional electrical equipment, decorations and presents all of which increase the risks within the home environment.”
