West Yorkshire Fire service urge public not to host events or have bonfires at home

The fire service are urging Leeds residents not to host events or have bonfires at their own homes this year.

Due to coronavirus, Bonfire Night will be celebrated differently with many of the usual organised events not going ahead across Leeds.

Many of the popular events were cancelled earlier this year due to the coronavirus pandemic restrictions put in place by the government.

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Now, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue service have made a plea to residents to not hold their own events.

Leeds bonfire in 2012 (Simon Hulme/JPI)Leeds bonfire in 2012 (Simon Hulme/JPI)
Leeds bonfire in 2012 (Simon Hulme/JPI)

In a statement released on their website, the fire service said: "WYFRS is not trying to ruin anyone’s fun but please do not host an event, abide by local restrictions and practice social distancing this Bonfire season.

"We want everyone to enjoy the bonfire season responsibly and encourage families NOT to host their own bonfires or events.

"Garden bonfires can so easily get out of control.

"Not only do these pose a serious risk to yourself, your family and the public, but they also take our crews away from other potentially life-threatening incidents.

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"A great deal of work goes into preparing neighbourhoods for the bonfire period, in order to clear any potential fuel for arsonists."

Last year, the service said they received over 500 emergency calls on the evening of Bonfire Night alone.

In total, 66 of the incidents that they attended were bonfire related, the fire service said.

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Thank you

Laura Collins