Remember Remember ... the Easter holidays?
Ally McRoberts • Published 11 Oct 2012 11:00
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FORGET Bonfire Night - Fife firefighters are likely to remember remember the Easter holidays as a much busier time.
The crackdown on the illegal sale of fireworks and unauthorised bonfires around 5th November means April is now the "peak period".
Fife Fire and Rescue Service said a new policy to prevent 'secondary (outdoor) fires' had led to a big reduction around Bonfire season.
A report to Fife Council confirmed, "This has been so successful, with a 52 per cent reduction in fire activity between October 2007 and October 2011, that the peak period for this type of issue is now identified as taking place in the period encompassing the school Easter holidays."
The 'Bonfire and Firework framework', a partnership between fire crews, police and the council, has also led to a "significant decrease" in anti-social behaviour and attacks on firefighters.
In 2007 there were nine attacks on fire crews - including verbal and physical abuse, missiles and bricks being thrown, rockets being fired and one firefighter threatened with an offensive weapon.
By 2011 this was down to two incidents reported of eggs being thrown at crews and appliances.
However, fire chiefs are warning there is still a "dangerous minority" who are hellbent on using fireworks to injure and threaten people.
The report states, "Every year thousands of people enjoy fireworks and bonfires to celebrate all sorts of occasions.
"While most enjoy them responsibly, in the wrong hands they can, and do, cause real misery.
"A dangerous minority deliberately use fireworks to harass and intimidate people, or to damage property.
"The Bonfire and Firework framework sets out how to avoid these risks."
The approach is both carrot and stick, with enforcement and education activities carried out to reduce bonfire and firework-related crimes, disturbances, vandalism and injuries.
Visits to primary and secondary schools will be carried out to warn of the dangers of misusing fireworks, while test purchases of fireworks will be carried out at and illegal bonfires removed by council staff.
They are also stressing the dangers of wheelie bin fires - a particular problem in the Dunfermline area - with a 57 per cent increase in Fife last year.
The report says this type of fire was most common last year in the Pilmuir Street / Victoria Terrace of the city while Abbeyview also saw a number of wheelie bin fires, bonfires and other refuse fires which were linked to youth disorder.
In 2011 youths were also responsible for setting fire to rubbish at two sites within Pitreavie Business Park.
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