| Speaking ahead of what is traditionally the busiest night of the year for Tayside Fire and Rescue, community safety watch manager Garry Brown said the council-organised displays were bigger, better and safer than anything you could do at home.
“The main point our organisation wants to get across is asking people to go to the two official firework displays,” he said.
“That is certainly the recommended safe way. They are fantastic displays that you could not possibly hope to match at home.”
Last year, Tayside Fire and Rescue attended a staggering 70 fires between 5pm and midnight on November 5 — an average of 10 every hour.
This is partially caused by celebrations getting out of hand, but there is also a problem with deliberate fire setting.
In an attempt to combat this, the Scottish Government has this year funded a campaign in Dundee warning of the dangers of criminal fire-setting in the run-up to Bonfire Night.
The campaign targeted city “hot spots” for the problem, including Kirkton, Fintry, Mill O’ Mains, Linlathen, Mid Craigie, Douglas and Whitfield.
Almost 14,000 homes received a leaflet outlining the severity of the problem, the damage and harm fire-setting can cause, and details of how residents can help by anonymously calling Crimestoppers (0800 555 111).
Advertising has also been used to drive home the message and encourage reporting.
Mr Brown also revealed that an extra fire engine has been drafted in for the night to focus solely on the problem of anti-social fires.
Tayside Police will also be active on the night to ensure public safety. A spokesman for the force said, “Tayside Police will deploy high visibility night-time patrols and, in particular, will have officers on cycle patrol offering reassurance to residents and speaking with people in the area, including groups of youths.
“Full use will be made of public and private CCTV, as well as the mobile CCTV police van to ensure incidents are quickly traced and thoroughly investigated thereafter.
“Anyone identified as being involved in criminal behaviour can expect to be arrested and taken to police HQ. Any young people who are found in circumstances that give the police cause for concern are liable to be taken home and their parents spoken with.”
Dundee City Council’s displays are in Baxter Park and Lochee Park, with bonfires at both venues being lit at 6.15pm tomorrow. The fireworks displays will begin at 7pm and last around 25 minutes.
Those wishing to attend are advised that there will be no parking on either site. The public are also requested not to bring their own sparklers or fireworks.
The 28th annual torchlight parade, bonfire and fireworks display organised by the Carnoustie Coastguard unit takes place on Saturday evening, when up to 700 torch-bearers will set off from the gates of Woodlands Primary School at 6.30pm and make their way through the burgh to the Black Slab car park for the ceremonial lighting of the bonfire at around 7pm, followed by the fireworks display.
At Tayport, the show will start at around 7pm tomorrow in the town’s Canniepairt football ground. Atop the bonfire will be a Guy made by local primary school children. Newport’s display at Waterstone Crook starts at the same time. Saturday night sees another display in Gauldry’s Main Street, starting at 7pm. |
