Experts on hand in Scarborough to help residents stay safe this Bonfire Night
Residents in Scarborough can seek expert advice on how to stay safe during Bonfire Night, with local authorities providing guidance on fireworks and fire safety.
Scarborough residents are being urged to follow safety advice this Bonfire Night as local emergency services and council teams join forces to provide information in the town centre.
Officers from North Yorkshire Council’s trading standards and community safety teams will join colleagues from North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service for a public drop-in event in Scarborough on Thursday, October 22.
Held from 11am to 1pm outside Poundland on Westborough, the event will give residents the opportunity to speak directly to professionals about firework safety, legal requirements, and the importance of buying fireworks from reputable retailers.
The drop-in supports the national ‘My safety: fireworks' initiative, which urges people to think beyond their own back gardens and consider how fireworks impact local neighbours, pets, and wildlife to take steps to use them safely.
Nationally, around 2,000 people attend hospital each year with firework-related injuries - most commonly to the hands, eyes, and face - with many accidents occurring at private back-garden displays.
Fireworks can also cause fires, damage to property and distress to people and animals when used irresponsibly.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for community safety, Cllr Heather Phillips, said: “We want residents to have fun, but we also want Bonfire Night to pass without avoidable injuries, fires, or antisocial behaviour.
“Thinking about the impact fireworks may have on neighbours, older people, young children, pets, and livestock helps ensure everyone can enjoy themselves.”
Colin Sutherland, lead community safety officer for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, added: “We would always encourage people to attend organised firework displays where possible.
“If you are planning your own display, make sure you follow the Firework Code, buy from reputable retailers, keep fireworks in a closed box, and light them one at a time.”
Local police are also backing the initiative, encouraging residents to report any ongoing antisocial behaviour linked to fireworks.
Visit www.northyorkshire.police.uk/advice for further advice on firework safety.