People across West Lothian are being urged to play their part in keeping communities safe during the bonfire season and helping to crack down on the use of dangerous and illegal fireworks.
In the weeks leading up to Bonfire Night last year the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service attended more than 880 deliberate blazes across Scotland.
West Lothian Council has been working in partnership with the fire service and police and council teams such as the Youth Action Project and in schools to promote firework safety.
READ MORE: West Lothian tightens firework sales rules ahead of Bonfire Night
Once a byword for lawless and dangerous behaviour around Bonfire Night, Blackburn’s response as a community to thuggish behaviour has become a model followed across Scotland and promoted by the Scottish Government as it tightens up firework rules.
A report to the council’s Community Safety Board issued new advice to those worried about illegal bonfires. New guidelines have been introduced to try to control the spread of dangerous bonfires.
Bonfires are considered dangerous when they are within 18m (60ft) of any building, are greater than 2.5m (8ft) high or likely to affect any overhead power lines. Also crucial is the type of materials used, including potentially explosive canisters.
Anyone who finds such a bonfire under construction has been urged to contact the council’s NETS/Landservices or Roads teams on 01506 280000. And if a bonfire is alight they should call 999 for the fire service.
Fire crews have in the past been targeted by gangs of youths when tackling blazes . Now those who attack emergency service workers such as fire crews, paramedics or police will face tougher sentences.
Fire officers have also been working with the council’s Trading Standards teams in touring stores and traders selling fireworks. Rules governing the sale and use of fireworks have been tightened up by new Holyrood legislation.
It is now a criminal offence to buy fireworks for anyone under the age of 18 and if you do so, you could face a £5,000 fine, six months imprisonment, or both.
Trading Standards hope to visit all firework retailers to ensure compliance with regulations and to share safety advice for customers before next weekend. Where possible, Trading Standards will carry out test purchasing of direct sales to under 18’s in retail environments. Locations of confirmed retailers and pop-up shops will be shared with SFRS.
Any suspected illegal selling of fireworks should be reported via the Police non-emergency number 101 or anonymously through a form on the council’s website or on Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Area Commander Kenny Barbour, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service's local senior officer for Falkirk and West Lothian, said: “Bonfire Night is one of the busiest times of the year for our crews.
“Our advice is to attend organised events wherever possible as this is the safest option. Last year, firefighters responded to more than 370 bonfires across the country during an eight-hour period on 5 November.
“And in the weeks leading up to Bonfire Night, from 8 October onwards, crews attended more than 880 deliberate secondary fires, including bin fires and grass fires. We have a zero-tolerance approach to deliberate fire setting, which can put properties and lives at risk.”
Inspector Brendan McMahon, Deputy Local Area Commander for West Lothian police said: “Bonfire Night, and the intervening days, are typically one of the busiest periods for officers in West Lothian and we will have dedicated resources in place who will be out on patrol throughout the region to offer reassurance to the public, deter criminal activity and provide assistance to our emergency service colleagues, if required."
Executive councillor for community safety, Craig Meek commented: “I would urge everyone to follow guidance from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and heed the advice of community safety partners such as Police Scotland.
“If you do come across any issues in the build up to bonfire night or on the night itself then please get in touch with the relevant agencies to report your concerns. Doing so will help us all enjoy bonfire night in a safe manner.”
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