Multi agency partners offer safety advice ahead of Bonfire Night
Multi agency partners are offering safety advice for private bonfires and encouraging attendance at public displays, ahead of Guy Fawkes Night next Monday.
Highlands and Island Fire and Rescue Service, Northern Constabulary and The Highland Council are issuing advice ahead of bonfire night and advising of the dangers and trouble associated with hosting a private bonfire.
Group Manager for HIFRS, Robert Scott advised: "Our biggest concern over this annual event is for the public's safety. Hosting your own private bonfire and fireworks display can be enjoyable if organised safely but quite regularly we see the use of accelerants, the presence of materials that give off toxic fumes such as tyres and foam filled furniture, a safe distance not being kept between those attending and the fire, and the position of the bonfire being too close to buildings and other outdoor structures.
"We ultimately want to help ensure the number of accidents as a result of uncontrolled or unsupervised bonfires is kept to a minimum and encourage members of the public to attend professionally organized bonfire events to ensure a safe and enjoyable bonfire night."
Chief Inspector Graeme Murdoch spoke of the legalities surrounding such private events: "As we near this large-scale annual event, I would like to remind members of the public that the unlawful possession of fireworks or their reckless use can amount to criminal offences.
"Responsible retailers and adults should ensure that all reasonable steps are taken to prevent fireworks coming into the possession of youngsters. It is however a time of the year for family enjoyment and that is what the organised events and displays are for.
"HIFRS, Northern Constabulary and The Highland Council will again combine their efforts this year to ensure the removal of bonfires from areas of the city where they may pose a risk to public safety."
Depute Provost Highland Councillor Bet McAllister said: "Thanks to the Inverness Common Good Fund we have a large scale spectacular bonfire and firework display organised which is free to the public. I would encourage anyone who is considering hosting their own private event to take advantage of this safe event."
The Highland Council fireworks display on 5 November 2012 at Bught Park starts at 7pm with entertainment from the City of Inverness Youth Pipe Band, Falcon Drummers and Fly Agaric.
The bonfire will be lit at 7.30pm and the fireworks displays at around 7.50pm. For more information on Firework and Bonfire safety visit Firework Safety or for details of the public firework display visit the Inverness Festivals website on Inverness Festivals