Stay safe, Stay Home this Bonfire Night
Communities in Renfrewshire are being asked to stay safe and stay home this Bonfire Night.
Article Source: Renfrewshire Council
Last Updated: 5 November 2020 12:44
Due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, there will not be any organised displays in Renfrewshire and local people are being asked not to create their own bonfires or let off fireworks to ensure the safety of others.
The current Scottish Government restrictions in Renfrewshire mean that groups of people should not be meeting outdoors so communities are asked not to hold displays which would encourage others to attend.
Renfrewshire Council are working closely with Scottish Fire and Rescue and Police Scotland to ensure that local communities remain safe on Bonfire Night and will have additional warden and police patrols in the lead up and on the night, regular checks on local fireworks sellers, and will remove potential bonfire material in advance.
Councillor Marie McGurk, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board, said: “While it’s disappointing that we cannot hold our annual fireworks display, we must respect the times we are in and I would ask our local communities not to hold their own displays.
“It’s important that we do all we can to suppress the virus and groups of people should not be meeting up at this time.
“We must also consider the safety of anyone creating their own bonfire or setting off fireworks as this should only be carried out by trained professionals, so please avoid personal displays.
“This is often the busiest night of the year for our Fire Service so let’s work together to protect them, reduce the need to attend unnecessary calls and allow them to focus on saving lives where they are required.”
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have provided virtual presentations to local schools on the dangers of fireworks and will provide an enhanced response on Bonfire Night to tackle any out of control fires.
Firefighters attended more than 2300 deliberate fires during the four-week period leading to Bonfire Night 2019 and on 5 November last year, Operations Control received 882 calls from members of the public and crews responded to more than 350 bonfires within an eight-hour period – with six recorded attacks on firefighters.
Deputy Assistant Chief Officer (DACO) Alasdair Perry, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Head of Prevention and Protection, said: “First and foremost we would urge all of our communities to follow advice and guidelines around social distancing to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
“We know this means that people may consider hosting their own events this year, but we would urge caution around doing so because every year people are injured by fireworks and admitted to hospital - and children are particularly at risk."
“This is already a traditionally busy period of the year for ourselves and our partners, and it is very important that we maintain an ability to respond to other emergencies.
“We are therefore strongly encouraging anyone who does wish to host a private event to reduce the risk by ensuring to familiarise themselves with our firework code and fire safety guidance. Do not take risks because the consequences can be devastating.”
Police Scotland will provide additional officers in Renfrewshire to support the Wardens and Fire Service and will attend any illegal bonfires or fireworks incidents in the local area.
Chief Superintendent Alan Murray, divisional commander for Renfrewshire and Inverclyde, said: “We are committed to preserving public safety regardless of the anticipated reduction in people travelling to and attending organised events this year.
“Policing alone cannot tackle bonfire related disorder and this is why, every year, we work in close collaboration with our emergency services partners to highlight and mitigate the risks associated with reckless behaviour around fireworks. Any behaviour which puts our communities at risk, or endangers the safety of our officers and other emergency service personnel, will not be tolerated.
“Parents and guardians of young people also have a vital role to play and I would ask you to have very frank conversations with those in your care about the risks of getting involved in violence and disorder.
“The Chief Constable has made it clear that we are asking people to take personal responsibility to do the right thing to aid the collective effort to stay safe, protect others and save lives by preventing the virus from spreading.”
For more information on fireworks and bonfire safety, visit: www.firescotland.gov.uk/your-safety.
Sponsored Links
Latest Renfrewshire News
Jason Manford to play Paisley Town Hall as part of tour
Comedian, actor, singer and presenter is latest big name to announce date at venue.
READ MORE
SAY Award opens submissions for eligible albums
Scotland’s national music prize – the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – has opened submissions for 2025’s £20,000 prize.
READ MORE
Set sail for Paisley and enjoy a swashbuckling adventure on the high seas!
Ahoy there mateys! The Pirates of Paisley is this year's must visit FREE summer brick adventure!
READ MORE
Paisley Town Hall bells mark Imagination Library becoming permanent
Much loved reading programme, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Renfrewshire, celebrated becoming permanent with bell chimes.
READ MORE
Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres
This summer, gather the whole family and head to Dobbies Garden Centres for a day of fun-filled activities that will keep costs down.
READ MORE
Crowds celebrate the summer at Barshaw Gala Day
Thousands turned out to celebrate summer at Barshaw Park on Saturday for Barshaw Gala Day.
READ MORE
FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July
Summerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 5th and 6th of July with lots of things to see and do!
READ MORE
Grab your free reusable cup!
Fancy grabbing a free reusable takeaway cup and then getting a discount on your next drink from some of our local cafes?
READ MORE
Thorn Athletic and Inchinnan Development Trust to create brand new artificial pitches in Renfrewshire
Two major community sports projects in Renfrewshire are set to benefit from a significant funding boost.
READ MORE
Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show
The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!
READ MORE
July events at Dobbies Garden Centres
Check out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!
READ MORE
Refurbished play park is a big success with local pupils
Pupils from Auchenlodment Primary School in Johnstone gave their refurbished play park a big thumbs up after it underwent a major upgrade earlier this year.
READ MORE
Historic Environment Scotland calls for public stories for national wellbeing exhibition
Historic Environment Scotland is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.
READ MORE
Clan Wrestling returns to Braehead Arena with former WWE Champions
After their first event in March, Clash of the Clans, Clan Wrestling makes its return to Braehead Arena on Saturday 6th September for its second event!
READ MORE
Renfrewshire invited to honour Armed Forces community
The Armed Forces Day flag will be raised outside Renfrewshire House on Friday in a short service to mark Armed Forces Day.
READ MORE
Works set to be undertaken to restore historic Kilbarchan Steeple buildings
Councillors have agreed a £350,000 contract to carry out repairs to the historic Kilbarchan Steeple Buildings.
READ MORE
Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 adds two new categories and voting deadline extended!
Scotland's hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened!
READ MORE
Young people to choose their winners as Celebrating Renfrewshire Fund voting opens
Voting has opened for this year's Celebrating Renfrewshire Fund as young people get the chance to vote for the projects they think will make the most difference in their communities.
READ MORE
Get set for summer at Barshaw Gala Day
Crowds are set to soak up the summer vibes at Barshaw Gala Day with an afternoon packed full of exciting activities for all the family!
READ MORE
25th year of Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway
Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway today, kick-starting nine days of dance performances, film screenings, visual art and photography exhibitions and community events across the country.
READ MORE
Exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland
Tickets are on sale for an exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland, with fans in for an extra special treat to take home.
READ MORE
XSite Braehead accelerates into summer with a major car event
On Saturday, 28th June, Chrome 'n' Classics will host its annual event in the XSite car park for the first time – showcasing over 200 classic, custom, American, and vintage cars!
READ MORE
Programme revealed for the 2025 Sma Shot Day celebrations
Paisley town centre will host a day-long programme of entertainment this summer to celebrate Sma' Shot Day – one of the world's oldest worker's festivals.
READ MORE
Ready, Steady, Go! Paisley CarFest is back this weekend!
Paisley's CarFest is returning to Paisley town centre this Saturday, 14th June, with a fun day out for all the family guaranteed!
READ MORE
Acclaimed debut Only Here, Only Now from Tom Newlands chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month in Scotland
The paperback edition of Only Here, Only Now by Tom Newlands has just been released - and is already making waves.
READ MORE
Star supporting Gary Barlow visits Kibble kids in Paisley for music session
Rising music star and Channel 4's The Piano winner Brad Kella visited Kibble's Goudie Academy to meet with care-experienced young people, share his story and inspire the next generation of musicians.
READ MORE
Funding Boost for Charities at Scottish Building Society AGM
Scottish Building Society marked its Annual General Meeting (AGM) by announcing funding to support eight local charities and good causes across the country.
READ MORE
Classic car enthusiasts set to visit Loch Lomond Shores
Visitors are invited to come along and get up-close to some amazing cars, set against the beautiful backdrop of Loch Lomond, as part of a great day out.
READ MORE
Local people invited to have their say on proposed Brown Institute garden
Renfrewshire Council is inviting local residents, businesses and partners to have their say on proposals for a public garden on the site of the former Brown Institute in Renfrew.
READ MORE
MINISO debuts this week at Braehead Shopping Centre
Braehead Shopping Centre is pleased to officially welcome MINISO, the brand's first store in the West of Scotland, opening at 12pm on Friday 6th June.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links