Bonfire night hailed a success in the region

Nov 8 2010 by Helen Rae, The Journal

BONFIRE Night has been hailed a success after no major incidents were reported in the region.

Thousands of people attended organised events over the weekend, with the annual November 5 celebrations passing relatively smoothly for the emergency services.

Police and fire crews have been working hard to get their safety message across, and today said they were delighted with the impact their efforts had had. Northumbria Police attended a total of 505 bonfire and firework-related incidents between 4pm on Friday and 1am on Saturday.

A total of four arrests were made. Chief Insp Bob Ryan, of Northumbria Police’s harm reduction department said: “We are pleased to report that Bonfire Night passed without any major police incidents.

“Known bonfires were monitored and officers patrolled communities across the force area.

“Most people appear to have listened to advice given by ourselves and the fire service to attend pre-organised bonfire and firework displays, which are monitored by the emergency services and are managed with safety in mind.

“It also indicates that the key safety messages and advice given out in this year’s bonfires and fireworks campaign – which aimed to reduce injuries and deaths caused by bonfires and fireworks – have registered.”