Barrow fire boss warns public to act responsibly to prevent spread of Covid-19 this Bonfire Night

Firefighters are urging residents to take extra care this Bonfire Night to prevent both the spread of illegal fires and Coronavirus.

Paul Milburn, Barrow Fire Station manager, is urging residents to act responsibly to reduce risk of injury and rise of Coronavirus cases.

He said: “Due to Covid-19, all public firework displays have been cancelled which means there is more likelihood of private events at home being carried out. This inherently will create a higher risk of injury to members of the public which we want to reduce.

“So ideally we would recommend, if you are to use fireworks, to buy them from a reputable retailer and only use fireworks which are under the British standard

“If you were to arrange a private bonfire, which we don’t recommend, you should be using organic material and not hazardous material that will harm the environment

“We discourage people from having open fires as the smoke can penetrate other properties which will harm people with underlying health issues.”

Fire bosses are stamping down on potentially dangerous bonfires, like the one built on Middle White Close in Ormsgill last year.

Barrow Council, firefighters and the police co-signed a letter to remove the illegal bonfire after debris was discovered on the housing estate.

Mr Milburn said fire crews were routinely called out to unauthorised bonfires each year which create a ‘safety hazard’ to other residents.

He said: “We’re working in partnership with Barrow Council, Cumbria Police and the housing department to identify hotspots across Barrow for unauthorised and illegal bonfires.

“Due to Covid restrictions, we want to prevent any groups of people meeting which may further the spread of Coronavirus.

“Over the years, we have been called to a number of private bonfires in public areas cause a nuisance and safety hazard to surrounding residents

“Our main priority this Bonfire Night is to ensure the safety of the public and reducing the risk of Covid-19.”

The warning comes just days after fireworks were let off at 2.15am in Walney on Saturday night, leading to residents to call for more consideration.

Graeme Quinn said he was kept awake by the fireworks and that his dog was frightened by the sound.

“Fireworks have been going on every day since October 20,” he said.

“I think it should be kept to a few organized displays on the November 5 alone. My dog is terrified. I’ve tried adaptil, thunder shirt, tablets, loud music, drawn blinds and curtains, but nothing calms him. For those doing this please just stop. He’s flat out by me and we’ve both been awake all night.” If you believe there is a fire risk call 999.