South Yorkshire firefighters urge people to 'be sensible' on Bonfire Night and avoid lighting garden fires this year

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service are encouraging people to stay safe during what they say will be a ‘very different’ bonfire period for everyone this year.

Emergency services are asking people not to trick or treat to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and reminding residents that Halloween and bonfire parties are forbidden due to the new lockdown restrictions and the Government’s rule of six.

Residents are told to take extra care with fireworks and avoid having garden bonfires that could grow out of control and use up fire service resources.

The guidance comes as part of South Yorkshire’s three emergency services run their annual Operation Dark Nights campaign.

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue’s station manager Steve Jones said: “We know how much people look forward to Halloween and the bonfire period, and clearly we don’t want to spoil the party after a tough year, but it’s so important that people stay safe.

“With big, organised bonfire and firework displays being cancelled across the county, we expect people will be tempted to do their own.

"This is fine, but we do ask that people be sensible and take note of our advice around this.”

“Firstly, we really don’t want people be having garden bonfires.

"They spread so easily and tie up our resources. However, if you must have one, keep it away from trees, sheds and fences, and never use petrol or other accelerants to get it going.

“Secondly, if you’re going to use fireworks, only use genuine ones, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and, please, be sensible. Also, remember there are laws around when you can and can’t set them off.

“Last, but not least, is a plea around helping stop the spread of coronavirus.

"Please ensure you stick to the current laws and guidance.

"We all need to keep doing our bit and not use Bonfire Night as an excuse to let our guards down.”

In previous years staff from the region’s police and fire service have educated children in school about anti-social behaviour surrounding trick or treating and Bonfire Night.

While South Yorkshire’s emergency services won’t visit schools this year due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis, a series of videos filmed by firefighters and police officers will be played in classrooms across the county.

South Yorkshire Police Superintendent Sarah Poolman added: “We know this year will be different for everyone, but we want to ensure that however you celebrate, you are safe.

“It is important that whilst celebrating we don’t forget about Covid-19 and remember that we all still have a responsibility to keep each other safe.

“Your neighbourhood officers will be on patrol in the evenings to tackle any anti-social behaviour and breaches of the Covid-19 guidelines.

“As we increase our patrols, please remember that this is an extremely busy time for officers and call takers in the control room.

"We are asking our communities to think before you call 999 or 101.

“We have to prioritise the calls coming in to ensure our officers can respond to the most time critical and serious of incidents.

"We are asking those reporting a non-emergency crime do so through the online reporting form on our website.”

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