Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service is advising the community on how to stay safe during the Bonfire Night and Halloween period.
Last year, MFRS saw a 104% increase in deliberately set anti-social behaviour fires on Bonfire Night compared to 2023, a number that the local authorities are determined to bring down.
MFRS Group Manager for Community Safety Ged Knock said: “Every year we see avoidable injuries caused by fireworks being used unsafely in back gardens or on the street.
“Fireworks are not toys; they burn at extremely high temperatures and can cause life-changing injuries in seconds.
“The safest way to enjoy Bonfire Night is to attend an organised display where trained professionals can manage fireworks safely.”
MFRS requests citizens stick to laws such as no under 18s lighting fireworks, as well as reminding them acts such as throwing aerosols or fireworks into a bonfire could have deadly consequences.
Knock added: “We’re asking everyone in Merseyside to help us help them by taking small actions to reduce the number of deliberate fires during the Halloween and Bonfire period this year.”
Some of these actions are simple as taking more caution around keeping costumes and decorations away from naked flames or using LED candles as a safer alternative.
MFRS are also striving for better communication this year encouraging the public to talk to and ensure young people are being safe, report issues such as unlit bonfires or piles of rubbish and always dial 999 in the case of an emergency.
Finally, they advise residents to respect the emergency services.
Recent events such as a firework attack on firefighters in Beechwood, drastically reduce efficiency make the firefighters job even more dangerous according to Knock.
He added: “Damaging a fire engine or attacking a crew means it can’t respond to another emergency – and that could be your loved ones who need that help.”
Festive celebrations are still encouraged, providing they are carried out safely.
There are many public firework displays in Liverpool and it’s surrounding areas such as Ormskirk, Woolton and Southport as well as alternative festive events in the city centre, including the River of Light.
@merseynewslive Merseyside fire service urge parents to speak to children about their action around bonfire night. #fireworks #liverpool #merseyside #news
