Don’t let your decisions prove fatal during the darker nights

24 Oct 2022 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news

As the darker nights start to arrive, firefighters have urged residents young and old to stay safe and be extra vigilant during the autumn and winter months.

Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service has joined with their colleagues at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) who have launched their Darker Nights campaign as they prepare for the Bonfire period, their busiest time of the year.

Figures showed last year that deliberate fires in public areas – such as rubbish or wheelie bin fires – increased dramatically in Northumberland and Tyne and Wear in the two weeks leading up to Bonfire Night.

The community safety campaign focuses particularly on the extreme ‘consequences’ that could befall any young person who may think it’s alright to start deliberate fires.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service used make-up to cover a teenager with graphic burns to show the consequence of dangerous fire-setting.

The graphic campaign images show the young man struggling to do the things that he loves best – playing on his computer console and mobile phone.

The headlines for posters that will flood the streets  in the coming weeks, read: “Starting fires isn’t a game” and “Don’t set fire to your selfie”.

Also involved in the campaign are Northumbria Police and North East Ambulance Service.

They will also be working with other strategic partners including all of the local councils, the Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness, Nexus and regional housing associations such as Your Homes Newcastle and Gentoo.
 

Paul Hedley, Chief Fire Officer with Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service, said: "As the nights get darker and we approach Bonfire Night it is vital residents, and in particular young people, think about the risks that fireworks and deliberate fires pose.

“Organised displays, of which there are many around the region, are a much more impressive and safer option compared to doing something in your own back garden.

“It’s also important to remember that while it’s fun for some, fireworks can be a real source of stress and misery for others, particularly those who are elderly, vulnerable or have pets. As we work with our colleagues this autumn we would always stress the need to be considerate to others.”

Richie Rickaby, Area Manager for Community Safety at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The consequences that some people may experience from setting a deliberate fire could be totally life changing. They could receive or cause serious burns that will impact a person’s life forever.

“We are working closely with our partners across the region to educate, inform and make people and businesses aware of the serious nature of any kind of anti-social behaviour, the selling of illegal unlicensed goods, and attending unofficial firework displays.

“The fire service always strives towards keeping the local community safe from harm all year round, with a particular emphasis on the demands of Bonfire Night. But we would urge people to stay safe throughout the whole darker night’s season.

“We will be carrying out enforcement of licenced premises to ensure any fireworks sold in the coming weeks are safe but we would encourage communities to only attend organised displays.”

The comparison figures for deliberate fire setting during last year’s October half term and Bonfire Week speak for themselves.

The figures below show the percentage increase from the two weeks between October 11th and October 24th last year to the following fortnight (October 25th to November 7th),

Northumberland saw an increase of: 62%
Gateshead saw an increase of: 208%
Newcastle saw an increase of: 26%
North Tyneside saw an increase of: 162%
South Tyneside saw an increase of: 213%
Sunderland saw an increase of: 84%


Leaflet campaigns will take place in geographical areas that have experienced high levels of anti-social behaviour, while intelligence has also been shared with blue-light partners such as Northumbria Police.

If you have any important information about deliberate fires being started in your local community – you can report the details anonymously by calling Firestoppers on 0800 169 5558 or by reporting it through their website www.firestoppersreport.co.uk