The Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) is once again running its Treacle Campaign, which aims to spread the message about how people can stay safe during bonfire period. You can find out more about the campaign at www.safe4autumn.com.
We are working with GMFRS to help them spread their safety messages and while the focus of the campaign is focused on balconies and high rise flats, their advice can help keep you safe regardless of where you live. You can help keep the community safe by:
- Only attending organised bonfires / firework events
- Never setting off fireworks (particularly from a balcony or from within the communal areas of your flats)
- Reporting unofficial bonfires on public land
- Ensure refuse is disposed of responsibly
- Calling us to safely dispose of unwanted fireworks
Contact your local council to report any unofficial bonfires on public land.
Living in a high rise building may offer you a fantastic view of fireworks from the comfort of your own home or balcony. If you intend to watch from your balcony, then please follow GMFRS’s general balcony safety advice:
- Do not use BBQs under any circumstances
- Do not use chimineas, fire pits or any other form of open fire on your balcony
- Never store flammable materials like gas on your balcony
- Reduce clutter and try and keep items on the balcony to a minimum
- If you smoke make sure you stub cigarettes out and NEVER flick them off your balcony
If you have fireworks that you no longer want, GMFRS can collect them free of charge and arrange for their safe destruction. Call them on 0800 555 815 to arrange.
If you are aware of other residents in your block who are not following this advice, please get in touch on 0161 331 2000. You can also raise concerns by emailing highrise@manchesterfire.gov.uk.
