ACCRINGTON Fire Brigade has already suffered an increased number of calls as Bonfire Night approaches.
Firefighters were called out to 15 incidents across Hyndburn relating to bonfires and rubbish fires at the weekend.
John Pinner, spokesman for the fire service, said: “This weekend was very busy for us. It would seem the run-up to Bonfire Night has started already.”
The incidents included a fire at the allotments in Merlin Drive, Oswaldtwistle, a rubbish fire in Westwood Street, Accrington, a bonfire in Church Street, Accrington, a fire in an outbuilding in Stanhill Road, Oswaldtwistle, a bonfire in Queen Street, Accrington, and a bonfire in Walmsley Street, Rishton.
Last year Hyndburn Fire Station was called out to 110 deliberate fires in the first week of November alone and this year a campaign aims to reduce this.
The area around Richmond Street, Pendle Street, Fountain Street, Garbett Street, Ormerod Street, Perth Street and Higher Antley Street in Accrington will be manned by a special team made up of police, fire crews and council officials who will make sure the area stays trouble-free.
The team will man the trouble hot-spots on 3, 4 and 5 November and a mobile fire station will be set up in the vicinity. The council is also providing skips to encourage residents to dispose of rubbish free of charge rather than storing it up to burn.
As part of the Bright Sparks campaign, police and fire officers from the Eastern division have visited local high schools to stress the dangers of misusing fireworks.
Inspector Chris Hayhurst said: “This year the message is simple - attend an organised bonfire or fireworks display and don’t throw or misuse fireworks.”
