To consider report CFO/07/24 which relates to the Bonfire Report.

Chief Fire Officer, Phil Garrigan, introduced the report which related to the Bonfire Period 2023. Group Manager, Mark Sopp, took the Members through a presentation, noting that it was a successful bonfire period with a 5.5% reduction in deliberate fires and firework incidents were down by 31.3%. He also added that 76 licenses for the sale of fireworks were issued in that period.

Suzanne Hazza, MFRA Lead for the Bonfire Period, explained that planning for the next bonfire would begin again now and included the organising of tipper trucks, staff volunteers and engaging with the community to be proactive in highlighting any issues early. She emphasised the importance of educating children around the dangers of building bonfires and the consequences.

Councillor Sam Gorst queried whether the reduction in firework incidents was related to the crackdown on the illegal selling of fireworks in neighbouring counties. Mark Sopp advised that there had been a multi strand approach to tackling this issue which included work done in the community to educate school children and preventive work carried out through campaigns.

Councillor Edna Finneran suggested that teenagers may benefit more if they heard the consequences of fireworks from someone their own age rather than an adult. Suzanne Hazza noted that this will be taken on board as they are always looking for ways to improve their approach.

It was acknowledged that the Corporate Communications team played a big part in keeping the community safe through sending out social media messages as part of their ‘Do us a Favour’ campaign.

Members were advised of two large scale community bonfires that were organised in Ilchester Park and Woodchurch in 2023, stating that MFRA worked with the organisations to ensure that they were controlled. He mentioned that MFRA had a positive influence on these events and no injuries were reported. 

Councillor Paul Tweed asked how these events were funded. It was advised by Area Manager, Mark Thomas, that a lot of funding comes from communities and there are dedicated Facebook groups to manage the organisation of such events.

Councillor Sam Gorst raised concerns about the reselling of illegal fireworks in schools and asked how the Authority could mitigate against that risk. He also noted that there were 69 incidents attended by crews in Liverpool and 43 of those had been in his ward in Garston.

Mark Sopp advised that if fireworks are being traded in schools, then education in schools is crucial to eliminate this behaviour from a young age. Members were assured that this issue would be discussed at the multi-agency debrief where the strategy for this year will be formulated.

Members discussed organised displays noting that that there were no organised bonfire events arranged through Wirral or Knowsley Council, however, there had been event in St Helens. It was suggested that there be more of a Fire Authority presence at skip events in the community.

The Chief Fire Officer explained that tipper trucks are used to proactively clear bonfire materials identified by the public or crews. MFRA encourage housing partners such as Liverpool House to manage their areas through the provision of skips to dispose of potential waste. Some districts have chosen not to do this due to the costs associated.

It was acknowledged by Chief Fire Officer that bonfire night is unique for Merseyside compared to other areas, with regards to ‘Mischief Night’. This was one of the busiest periods for MFRA and Merseyside Police who would be working proactively in the coming years to reduce the number of incidents.

Councillor Jan Grace asked for further detail on how the Authority ensured retailers were in compliance with legislation relating to the sale of fireworks. Members were assured that the Authority worked with Trading Standards and visited premises across Merseyside and tested suppliers to ensure they were not selling fireworks illegally. Licenses were revoked if retailers did not abide by the legislation.

Councillor Linda Maloney noted that laser lights were being a trend as opposed to traditional fireworks. Suzanne Hazza advised that there was a list of events taking place across Merseyside that crews shared with the public.

Councillor Lynne Thompson commented that the reduction in derelict building fires was encouraging. She mentioned that one derelict building in her ward was being demolished leaving them with a 23 acre site, which could be a risk The Chief Fire Officer reassured the Members  that MFRA were  aware of this site and there had been extensive dialogue with the owners  with regards to the management.

With regards to joint working with the Police, The Chief Fire Officer advised that information was shared across Services to ensure that the movement of fireworks was limited between counties.

RESOLVED that the content of the report and the impact that Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (‘MFRS’) staff have had on the delivery of the Bonfire Plan 2023 be noted.