The North East's fire service managed to cut the number of Bonfire-related injuries this year by nearly half despite a major increase in the number of calls received this November 5.

The number of bonfire/firework related injuries reported by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue on 5 November 2012 was just 5, compared to 9 last year.

On Bonfire Night itself, the Service's Control Room received 476 calls compared to 425 in 2011 and there was a 24% increase in the number of calls between 1 November & 5 November.

Area Manager John Pratt said: "I would like to praise our staff for their hard work on what is one of our busiest times of the year. Whilst we have had a busy night we are delighted to have seen a reduction in the number of injuries from bonfire and fireworks.

"This is thanks to all our hard work, our work with partners, and with residents for taking the valuable safety advice to heart. We're pleased that the majority of people had an enjoyable and safe Bonfire Night. We would like to thank parents, children and the public in general for their support and co-operation in helping convey and adopting these important messages."

Further statistics showed that from 1-5 November there was:
• 16% increase in the total number of incidents attended by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue (481 in 2012 compared to 413 in 2011)
• 10% increase in the total number of deliberate secondary (rubbish) fires attended in Tyne and Wear (172 in 2012 compared to 157 in 2011)  
• 26% increase in property fires attended by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue (43 in 2012 compared to 34 in 2011)
• A reduction in hoax calls attended by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue (2 in 2012 compared to 3 in 2011)
• An increase in attacks on firefighters (5 in 2012 compared with 2 in 2011)

AM Pratt added: "I am disappointed that we've seen a small increase in attacks on firefighters this year. Although the number of attacks is still small, anti social behaviour towards our staff and appliances is completely unacceptable. All of our appliances and vehicles are now fitted with 360 degree digital CCTV allowing us to record footage of any attacks on firefighters which will be used as evidence in any prosecution."

Posted 06/11/2012 by richard.hook@pavpub.com