Dangerous bonfires have got to go!
Tackling dangerous bonfires is high on the agenda this year for Warwickshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service.
Over the next few weeks, firefighters from across Warwickshire will be carrying out visual audits of hotspots areas to see if unsafe bonfires are being built.
Last years crews were called out to tackle 284 deliberate small fires from the lead up to and during the bonfire period. This year they are hoping to reduce the amount of calls received from residents concerned about bonfires being sited too close to trees, houses and local businesses.
Firefighters will be working in partnership with District and Borough Councils and Warwickshire Police to ensure that rubbish being dumped does not become an unauthorised bonfire site and is removed before it becomes a danger to the general public.
Community Safety Manager, Maria Smedley said: “The bonfire night celebrations are meant to be enjoyed by all ages and the safety of Warwickshire’s residents is our highest priority.
"People attempting to build bonfires from pieces of furniture, general household rubbish and other materials are often doing so without a full understanding of the dangers of burning unknown materials.
“Bonfires that are built and then left unattended for a few days can encourage people to discard items, which can become highly dangerous when set alight; a situation that is often unbeknown to the bonfire organiser and which subsequently becomes a far greater risk to the people gathered to watch the displays.
“So if you see unsafe bonfires being built, please contact your local district or borough council or local fire station to arrange for it to be assessed or removed.”
Portfolio Holder for Community Protection, Richard Hobbs said: “The safety of Warwickshire residents is our main concern. Working in partnership with district and Borough Councils and Warwickshire Police to remove unsafe bonfires will work towards achieving just that!”