To consider report CFO/069/18 of the Chief Fire Officer, concerning the key elements within the 2018 Bonfire plan aimed to limit the number of deliberate fires and instances of anti-social behaviour across Merseyside.

Members considered Report CFO/069/18 of the Chief Fire Officer, concerning the key elements contained within the 2018 Bonfire plan aimed to limit the number of deliberate fires and instances of anti-social behaviour across Merseyside.

Members were provided with an overview of the report, which detailed the 3 phases of the Bonfire Plan. Phase 1, which is concerned with the planning work alongside partners. Phase 2, which is the implementation phase for during the Halloween and Bonfire Period; and Phase 3, which is concerned with the post period de-brief and bonfire sweep.

Members were advised of some of the activity taking place throughout the Bonfire Period, which includes the delivery of presentations within schools, significant work with local businesses around the storage and sale of fireworks, the referral and removal of bonfire material; and the assertive engagement by the Street Intervention Team.

Members were also informed of Operation Banger and the work undertaken with Merseyside Police, which includes the use of a Trojan Fire Appliance, which has proven to be successful in previous years when operational crews have come under attack.

The Chair of the Authority commented that MFRA are very pro-active and the Bonfire Plans have been particularly successful to date. He also stated that MFRA utterly condemn any attacks on our staff.

Further comments were made by Members regarding skips during the period; and it was requested that a message be put out to all Registered Social Landlords requesting that they restrict the use of skips during the Bonfire Period, as contents can be used as fuel. 

Members Resolved that:

The contents of the report for the Halloween and Bonfire Period 2018, be noted.