Northumberland Fire and Rescue service report a ‘steady’ bonfire night

It was a steady night for Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) on the busiest night of the year.

 

Despite many families attending organised fireworks and bonfire displays – crews still attended 36 bonfire incidents.

 

Fire control took 82 calls and crews attended ten bonfires that were considered to be dangerous – which is half what they attended last year.  They also extinguished a deliberate fire that was started in a stairwell of a block of flats in Delaval Terrace, Blyth.

 

We received 26 calls which were false alarms – eight of which no action was taken.

 

There was one incident of aggressive behaviour in Stephen Street, Blyth where fireworks were set off in the general direction of crews while trying to put out a fire. Police have been informed.

 

NFRS also dealt with other incidents, including a road traffic collision in Blyth and two requests for assistance from NEAS ambulance crews.

 

Paul Hedley, chief fire officer said “We always expect a busy night and our service was fully prepared but pleasingly we were relatively quiet in comparison with previous years with only one isolated, but unacceptable, incident of antisocial behaviour towards fire crews.

 

“I’d like to thank to all the display event organisers, local residents and community members for their cooperation and support in creating an extremely enjoyable and safe bonfire night for the majority of people.”

 

NFRS works closely with other emergency services in the run up to bonfire night to promote key safety messages to school children and the general community and advocates attendance at licensed and organised display.