Emergency services issue joint fireworks warning

Northumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner; Northumbria Police; Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) are all committed to doing what they can to make sure that the coming Diwali, Halloween and Bonfire season is a safe and happy one for everyone – and that includes their own staff.

This year, the services are uniting behind the use of the TWFRS’ Ryan’s Regret film, which featured the real-life story of a young man from Washington, who by playing with fireworks in his bedroom, received significant injuries to his hand. It’s a graphic and shocking account, which has provided real impact especially during the fire services’ school visits, in conjunction with Northumbria Police.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Dame Vera Baird QC said: “This is a busy time for our emergency services who do a fantastic job and it's so important that we work together using our respective strengths to ensure the safety of everyone within our communities. I want people to have fun and enjoy themselves, while staying safe and out of harm's way. This campaign of activity will encourage people to take heed to the advice of both the police and fire and rescue services.”

The campaign is also focusing on the associated candle risks to the general public during Diwali, through to Halloween and onto risks from fireworks over the Bonfire weekend. It also consists:

• School visits to show children the Ryan’s Regret film and talk to them about the dangers of firework misuse;
• Posters, highlighting the risks to young people from firework misuse and the unacceptable risks faced by firefighters from attacks, which will appear in the windows of empty shops at the Intu Shopping Centre, and throughout other local shopping centres;
• Support from Newcastle Utd, with a photoshoot prior to their match against Crystal Palace on 21 October;
• TWFRS Firefighter attendance at Sunderland Football Club’s Fan Fest on 23 October and in their family stand at the match against Bristol City on 28 October;
• The Ryan’s Regret film will be shown at Whitley Bay’s Jam Jar Cinema and Lounge Bar, prior to each showing; and
• A high profile social media campaign will receive active support throughout its duration from regional celebrities, including Alan Shearer; Newcastle Utd; Sunderland AFC; Newcastle Falcons; actor/comedian Chris Ramsay; Hollyoaks actor, Ross Adams; Miss Newcastle, Alisha Cowie; Miss Teen Newcastle Jazmine Nichol and many more.

TWFRS chief fire officer Chris Lowther added: “We know that for many people in our community, Diwali, Halloween and Bonfire Night are great family occasions. But sadly, there are also some people who will deliberately misuse fireworks – risking their own lives, the lives and property of others and think it’s acceptable to physically and verbally abuse firefighters and our appliances.

“After everything the firefighter community has been through this year, it seems incredible to me that we come under attack by those we risk our lives to protect. Our messages are clear: we are here to ensure you enjoy a safe Bonfire period; but fireworks are dangerous and can injure, kill and destroy. Attacks – of any kind – on our firefighters will not be tolerated and we will work very closely with Northumbria Police to ensure any perpetrators are caught and prosecuted.”

All emergency services are urging families to go to organised firework displays – details of which can be found on the TWFRS website. They are also advising that families who are celebrating Diwali and Halloween take care with the use of candles, and ensure that children don’t wear loose clothes around them. They should also make sure that fancy-dress costumes comply with EC standards and are made from flame retardant material.

Chief Fire Officer at Northumberland Fire and Rescue Paul Hedley said, “Bonfire night should be an enjoyable experience for all, however, recklessness with bonfires and fireworks can have devastating effects. 

 “Where possible, we encourage residents to visit organised public firework displays which are safer, great value and usually much more impressive, however, if anyone is planning their own firework display then we urge them to follow our safety advice very carefully.”

Recent years have seen an increase in fire-related incidents over this period, and also an increase in attacks on firefighters and other emergency services personnel. Last year attacks on firefighters during the bonfire weekend increased in the region from four in 2015 to nine.