Keeping Orkney Safe – Bonfire Night

The Orkney Community Safety Partnership wants everyone to remember, remember the 5th of November for all the right reasons in 2022!

Police Scotland, The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and Orkney Islands Council’s Trading Standards and Environmental Health Services are issuing a combined safety message ahead of this year’s bonfire night which falls on a Saturday.

They are appealing for folk to attend organised public bonfire and firework events rather than family displays – it’s much safer for all and reduces the stress for pets and animals if fireworks are contained to one set time.

Kirkwall and Stromness will be hosting their annual bonfire night and fireworks displays on Saturday 5 November. Both events kick off at 7pm – at the Peedie Sea in Kirkwall and Coplands Dock in Stromness.

While the Partnership are keen for everyone to enjoy the night, they are urging the public to adhere to legislation and best practice when dealing with fireworks, which are potentially very dangerous.

Inspector David Hall at Kirkwall Police Station said: “Bonfire Night can be one of the busiest nights for policing teams and officers, facing a number of challenges while dealing with an increase in callouts and doing our duties to keep communities and other blue-light colleagues safe.

“It’s a criminal offence to purchase fireworks for anyone under 18 for which you can face a £5,000 fine, six months in prison, or both. Please don’t risk it. There are also controls over when fireworks can be set off.”

Insp Hall added that there are stiffer sentences for anyone who attacks emergency service workers with fireworks.

“Please help us keep the Bonfire Night period safe for everyone by behaving responsibly when purchasing and using fireworks and having frank conversations with young people in your care about the risks and consequences of committing fireworks-related offences.”

The Council’s Trading Standards Manager, Gary Foubister, added: “We would encourage everyone to attend at an organised event, but for those planning to hold their own fireworks display, you should pay particular attention to the Fireworks Code and ensure that appropriate safe distances are observed while also taking into account weather conditions.

“Trading Standards Officers are visiting licensed retailers in the run-up to 5 November to ensure they continue to adhere to the law regarding the sale and storage of fireworks.

“If you are organising a display there is useful practical information on the Health and Safety Executive website www.hse.gov.uk or from The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service at www.firescotland.gov.uk.”