PCSP chair urges safety message ahead of Bonfire night

Ahead of Bonfire Night, a group of local agencies have come together to highlight the dangers surrounding the annual spectacle.

"Our message is: people please, take care and stay safe," the words of councillor Keith Elliott, chair of the local Police and Community Safety Partnership.

He's joined the PSNI, the Housing Executive and the Fire Service in expressing their concerns over bonfires.

The Democratic Unionist councilman is asking people to remain safe - and to desist from burning anything potentially hazardous.

"We're asking people to be not to be burning tyres or anything that's likely to be harmful. And again it comes down to the safety - and the positioning of your bonfires. I know there's great work going on through our various agencies liaising with local communities and bonfire builders at present," he said.

The multi-agency group of representatives from Fermanagh and Omagh PCSP, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, PSNI, NIHE and NIFRS has expressed concern around the dangers associated with bonfires.  

The group wishes to raise awareness of health hazards and environmental issues which are often overlooked but yet can’t be ignored.

"Bonfires have a seriously detrimental effect on health and the wider environment.  It is not possible to have a bonfire, of any sort, without it causing air pollution and releasing chemicals into the environment.  The immediate health risks may be low, but increased air pollution may cause long term problems for children, asthmatics or bronchitis sufferers," added Cllr. Elliott.
 

"Fire can quickly spread to fences and buildings. Exploding bottles, gas drums and cans are a hazard when burned.  Materials such as aerosols, batteries, foam filled furniture, paint tins and tyres should not be burned," he went on.

Community Planning Sergeant Scott Fallis said, “Police are pleased to be working with other agencies and local community residents to discuss their concerns in relation to bonfires and the burning of hazardous waste.
 
We fully understand the impact this issue can have on those living and working in the area and whilst we acknowledge that for some, bonfires represent an important part of Northern Ireland’s culture and legacy, they can also cause concerns for other members of our communities.
 
We continue to work with our partners and other public and statutory bodies, as well as community representatives, to address any community safety issues.”

Station Commander, Jim McClintock, Enniskillen District, NIFRS said - “Bonfires can easily get out of control if they are not built safely and properly supervised.  We would appeal to people not to use tyres on bonfires.  The burning of tyres releases toxic fumes, which are harmful to the environment and also cause hazardous health conditions for those attending or living close to the bonfire."