Fire service plea to keep bonfire night safe in Inverness
EMERGENCY agency partners in Highland are appealing to the public to help make the 2014 bonfire night on Wednesday next week the safest yet.
Bonfire night is traditionally one of the busiest nights of the year for Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS).
The number of emergency calls typically increases by 40 per cent throughout the period and SFRS is up to four times busier on November 5 than any other night of the year.
In 2013 firefighters responded to 18 incidents across the Highlands and Islands, including five bonfires. There were no attacks on firefighters.
The service and its partners are appealing to the public to stay safe by attending organised events rather than staging their own bonfires or fireworks displays.
SFRS local senior officer Scott Hay said: "We want to make 2014 one of the safest bonfire nights ever and we are appealing to the public who may be planning their own bonfire to consider attending an organised display instead.
"Organised events are well organised, normally more spectacular and crucially safer for you, your family and friends."
He added: "Our attendance at bonfires could mean our resources are being taken away from other emergencies and calls to assist people in danger. It could have tragic consequences for those who urgently need our help.
"In the run up to Bonfire Night 2014 our service personnel will be going to schools across Highland to teach children about the dangers associated with bonfires and fireworks."
The Highland Council fireworks display on November 5 will take place at Bught Park from 7pm with entertainment from the Inverness Legion and Inverness Youth Pipe Bands. The bonfire will be lit at 7.30pm and at around 7.50pm Fireworx Scotland will set-off a 20-minute fireworks display.
For more information visit the Inverness Festivals website at www.invernessfestivals.com
