As part of their Darker Nights Campaign, Bonfire Safety Campaign and Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy, representatives from the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and from Sunderland Council spoke to all students in Years 7, 8 and 9. The Fire Service spoke very passionately about the danger of deliberately setting off fires which is a waste of resources when the fire service has to attend when there could be more serious incidents to deal with. There are only two fire engines that serve the whole of the Sunderland Central area and therefore resources are extremely stretched. The Fire Services are regularly having to deal with young people who are abusive to the officers, try to cause injury, or cause damage to the firefighting equipment. In addition, they spoke about the implications for young people who gain a criminal record – such as not being able to travel in the future. It is extremely important that young people are very careful during the Bonfire season and attend only organised bonfire displays. This leaflet provides more information about the Firestoppers campaign where you can report deliberate fires to stop this from happening.
