Greater Manchester launches new campaign ahead of Bonfire night

Setting fires, throwing fireworks and making hoax calls are ‘bang out of order’and will not be tolerated this Halloween and Bonfire season.

As Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) and partner agencies launch this year’s Bonfire campaign, the public are asked to think carefully about their actions, consider the consequences of getting involved in anti-social behaviour and support the emergency services to help them keep people safe.

The warning comes as it’s revealed that GMFRS dealt with 4,241 deliberate fires and attended 358 hoax calls over the last three years during the Bonfire period alone (1 September to 10 November).

There have also been 75 attacks on firefighters in the same period, with crews being abused and pelted with rocks and fireworks while trying to keep communities safe.

Councillor Richard Gold, Cabinet Member for Communities commented “We would ask everyone to follow the advice from GMFRS and think carefully about their actions to ensure we all have a safe and enjoyable Halloween and Bonfire season.”

With Government COVID-19 restrictions now lifted, GMFRS, along with other emergency services and local authorities across the region are gearing up for a busy few weeks as people head out celebrate Halloween and Bonfire Night.

GMFRS’ Chief Fire Officer, Dave Russel, said: “The last 18 months have been difficult for us all, and while I know most people in Greater Manchester will take this opportunity to celebrate the Bonfire season safely and responsibly, unfortunately some will not. Over the last few years our firefighters have been called out to hoaxes, deliberate fires and have even come under attack while trying to keep people safe. This is bang out of order and will not be tolerated.

“My plea this Bonfire period is to please think before you act. Setting fires, throwing fireworks and making hoax calls can destroy lives and keep our emergency services away from dealing with life-threatening incidents and keeping you, your family and your community safe.”