Published Date:
06 November 2009
TWO months of work and planning are coming into effect this weekend to protect Calderdale from bonfire misery.
Fire bosses have been preparing since September to ensure people are kept safe on their busiest nights of the year.
And tonight and tomorrow night, as they have been since plot night itself on Thursday, firefighters are operating a carefully planned operation alongside the police.
Halifax fire station manager Lee Benson said: "A lot of work has gone into preparing for this time of year."
Firefighters used to be even busier around Bonfire Night, said station manager Benson, but their work with other agencies over the last few years has been key to cutting the number of calls they receive.
It includes educating people about the dangers of bonfires and fireworks.
During three weeks this time last year, when they operated the same planning, they spoke to around 14,000 children from high schools, primary schools and pupil referral units across Calderdale. They expect to have spoken to the same number this year.
Crews have also been out identifying derelict buildings and other places which could be easy targets for fire-starters, and working with the council to remove rubbish and any other potential fuel from the area.
And they have been conducting walkabouts in known problem areas with their fire safety, community safety and arson task force teams to give out advice to residents and businesses.
Every 999 request for firefighters goes to West Yorkshire's mobilising centre at Birkenshaw, Bradford.
Because this time of year is so busy, cars with firefighters and police inside are being used across the county to respond to some incidents first to assess whether fire crews are needed.
Station manager Benson said most of the calls they receive at this time of year are about bonfires people may be concerned are out of control.
"Our advice to people is to use their common sense.
"Don't mess around with fireworks, attend an organised bonfire if possible and think of what you're doing and the consequences of your actions."
On Thursday dozens of people attended a bonfire and fireworks display at the Casa at Cromwell Bottom, Brighouse, and among the organised bonfires in Calderdale tonight are the Round Table organised fires ands firework displays at Hebden Bridge and Elland. Tomorrow Brighouse Juniors Football Club holds its annual plot event.
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Last Updated:
06 November 2009 11:31 AM
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Source:
n/a
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Location:
Halifax