Busiest night of the year for Fire and Rescue Service

Firework

The night of 5 November is traditionally the busiest of the year for the Fire and Rescue Service and this year proved no exception – with the control room receiving 1121 emergency calls across the region and fire service personnel attending 54 incidents in Rochdale alone.

There were 628 incidents across Greater Manchester last night.

Meanwhile Rochdale Council completed tests on firework retailers to check if they supply fireworks illegally.

Trading Standards officers visited 22 retailers and whilst the majority did not sell to youths who didn’t have identification to prove their age, two retailers sold fireworks illegally. They will now be investigated and could face a possible court appearance, a £5000 fine or even prison.

Trading Standards officers say they will continue to enforce the rules rigorously in the hope of protecting public safety and reducing nuisance which can be caused when fireworks are used irresponsibly.

All sellers of fireworks must be licensed and unless specially licensed must only sell between specified periods. Only garden fireworks can legally be sold to members of the public, but only to adults, not to anyone under 18.

Chief Trading Standards Officer, Andy Glover at Rochdale Borough Council said the Good Guys scheme will continue to ensure that the nuisance and anti-social behaviour caused by fireworks is kept to a minimum: "Although this is a time of fun and celebration, the use and abuse of fireworks brings a number of dangers which can turn fun into tragedy. We work closely with the retail trade, and with communities, to educate, inform and, where necessary enforce."

Anyone who suspects retailers of breaking the law should contact Rochdale Council on 01706 924186.

The Fire Service has been highlighting the dangers associated with misuse of fireworks and the dangers of bonfires with its “On Reflection” campaign. The initial results are positive with bonfire related incidents attended by the Fire Service reduced by 31% and a reduction in firework related incidents of 42%.

GMFRS attended 786 Bonfire related incidents and 71 Firework related incidents between 15 October and 6 November.

Deputy County Fire Officer, Kieran Nolan said: “I hope the public will join me in thanking Greater Manchester’s Fire Control Operators and Firefighters, who have again dealt so professionally with our busiest night of the year.

“Working with our Treacle partner agencies in a variety of initiatives has helped to reduce the impact that bonfires and fireworks have on our communities, which is a very positive result. However, with Bonfire night falling midweek, we are aware that many people will be planning to hold events over the next weekend and we would continue to urge people to attend an organised display."