Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service is working closely with Merseyside Police and Council partners to keep people safe and reduce anti-social behaviour over the Bonfire period with these safety messages:

Bonfires and Fireworks

We would encourage people not to have bonfires on public land this year. This is to help minimise the spread of COVID-19 and ensure members of the community are following rules on the numbers of people allowed to meet socially. If alerted to a bonfire on public land, firefighters will attend to extinguish the fire.
Please do not give anyone, especially young people, combustible materials. In addition to this, please do not fly tip or leave flammable materials lying around that could be used to build bonfires.
Bonfires are only allowed on private land with the owner’s permission, and must be supervised by an adult at all times. Keep water handy, and ensure the fire is completely out before leaving it at the end of the evening.
If you do have a bonfire at home, make sure there is enough room to do so safely and ensure that bonfires, fire pits and chimenaeas are well clear of anything that could catch fire such as trees, bushes, fences or sheds.
If a fire engine is called out to deliberate bonfires, wheelie bin fires and rubbish fires, this may delay a response to other emergencies.
If you do have a display at home, it should be carried out by a responsible adult and they must follow the Fireworks Code.
You should only buy fireworks from retailers with a registration from Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service.
Pets can become frightened by fireworks, and should be kept indoors if possible.
Consider your neighbours - people living nearby may have health conditions that are aggravated by smoke or increased anxiety from firework noise
Wheelie Bins

Wheelie bins can become easy targets over the bonfire period. Please only put your bin out on the day of collection, and bring it back in immediately. Keep them away from windows and doors if you can.
Hate Crime

Firework misuse, anti-social behaviour and arson attacks against anyone who has been specifically targeted due to their sexuality, disability, race or religion can be classed as a hate crime and will not be tolerated. Dedicated teams are available to catch offenders. This type of incident carries severe penalties for those who are convicted.
Anyone who has been a victim of or witnessed a hate crime should report it to Merseyside Police. Residents also have the option to report any incident of hate crime at a Safe Haven, located at community fire stations across Merseyside. Safe Havens are available to residents at any time there are officers on site. If the fire station is closed and immediate assistance is required, all fire stations have yellow phone boxes outside the building that will connect you to the emergency response control room. Safe Havens can also be used by residents who wish to report other crimes and can be used as a place of safety if they are in the area and feel threatened or are in danger.

Bonfire removal

To report an unsafe bonfire, the storage of bonfire materials that need to be removed, or for arson prevention advice, call Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service on 0800 731 5958 (Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm). You can also report an unlit bonfire on our website https://www.merseyfire.gov.uk/safety...unlit-bonfire/
In an emergency, always call 999.

Station Manager Joe Cunliffe said:

“Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service would like everyone to enjoy the Bonfire night period as safely as possible. Community bonfires must not take place on public land, as this will encourage people to gather in breach of current restrictions.

Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service will respond to reports of fires and will extinguish them, throughout the bonfire period. If you decide to have fireworks at home, please observe the restrictions and always follow the fireworks code.”

For free fire safety advice or to request a home fire safety check, call 0800 731 5958.

Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service also provides free smoke alarms for Merseyside residents aged 65 or over.