Councils have been encouraged to re-start organised Bonfire events to help reduce anti-social behaviour.
In recent years the number of large, organised events in West Yorkshire has plummeted due to concerns over Covid 19 and Council budget cuts.
West Yorkshire Fire Service says that organised bonfire events and firework displays are important in boosting community engagement and “assisting the reduction of anti-social behaviour” at a time of year when the service is at its busiest.
A report by the service into last year’s Bonfire period urges Councils to “support and encourage” organised events in 2023.
It points out that the only large organised event in West Yorkshire the 2022 Bonfire season was held in Bradford – a city centre firework display organised by Bradford BID to coincide with the city’s Christmas lights switch on. That display was viewed by 15,000 people.
The report, which will be presented to West Yorkshire Fire Authority’s Community Safety Committee on Friday, says: “A lasting impact of Covid-19 and other world events saw the reduction of diversionary activities hosted by third sector partners, such as organised bonfires. Only one area, Bradford, held an organised event.
“In previous years this provided avenues for community engagement during response. Looking forward to next year, these types of activities should be supported and encouraged to assist in the reduction of anti-social behaviour.”
When asked for a further comment about this push for more organised events, Operations Response Area Manager Scott Donegan from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Having organised activities of course helps to reduce risk, but clearly there is a cost associated for those who hold such events, whether they are publicly or privately funded, and that is not something we are in a position to help with sadly.
“We will of course offer our support where we can to those that need it to ensure communities are kept as safe as possible across West Yorkshire.”
The report also reveals that there had been a reduction in attacks on firefighters over the bonfire period compared to previous years, as well as a reduction in call outs.
Last week Leeds City Council was been accused of being “mean-spirited” over its plan to axe publicly funded Bonfire Night celebrations in the city.
The council revealed before Christmas that it intends to cancel its annual firework displays permanently to save money.
Liberal Democrat councillor Sandy Lay, who represents Otley and Yeadon, said the move risked “sucking the life and joy” out of Leeds.
In response, Councillor Salma Arif, the administration’s executive member for public health, said: “It was not an easy decision to take to get rid of Bonfire Night, because I know what it means to the local community.
“Unfortunately we’re in a position where we have to make this decision because of the budget pressures.”
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