Bonfire night Calls for SFRS

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to more than 50 bonfire related incidents across the county over the bonfire weekend despite the poor weather.

Between 6pm on Friday and 6am on Monday, Crews responded to a total of 54 incidents related to bonfires and fireworks.

On Sunday night, Crews from Hanley and Newcastle went to the Snow Hill area at just after 9.15 following reports that fireworks had been deliberately fired into Hanley Masonic Hall.  Fortunately, no one was inside the building and no one was injured. The fire was extinguish and Staffordshire Police are now investigating.  Reports included a large group of masked youths deliberately causing damage to a number of buildings and vehicles. They were seen throwing stones, bricks and launching fireworks in the area.  If you have any information with regards to this you can contact Police on 101, quoting incident 696 of 5 November,

Also on Sunday night, three men suffered burns from a firework-related incident in the Ball Green area at just after 7.45, although, luckily, none of them needed hospital treatment.

Ian Read, Head of Prevent, Protect and Partnerships at Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Bonfire Night and the days surrounding it can be a busy period for our firefighters.  We always strongly advise people to attend professionally organised displays because we know they are much safer and have first aid on hand.“ Ian continued “If you’re planning to celebrate with fireworks at home please plan very carefully, take care and remember to follow the firework code. We don’t recommend having a bonfire in your garden as they can easily get out of hand.”

For more advice on how to stay safe and minimise the risk of accidental fires, visit our website: Bonfire night safety (staffordshirefire.gov.uk)