Safety warning issued ahead of Bonfire Night across Tameside and Oldham

Greater Manchester’s emergency services have joined forces to urge residents to stay safe and behave responsibly this Bonfire Night, following a rise in deliberate fires and fireworks-related anti-social behaviour last year.

The ‘Bang Out Of Order’ campaign, led by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service alongside Greater Manchester Police, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and all 10 local councils, highlights the dangers of anti-social behaviour and warns that attacks on emergency service workers will not be tolerated.

Last year, Greater Manchester saw a 5% rise in deliberate fire-setting, with 1,198 incidents between 1 September and 10 November 2024, compared to 1,137 the previous year. Firework-related ASB also jumped from 744 incidents to 1,014. Although attacks on firefighters and hoax calls fell, emergency services say the figures remain too high.

Throughout the autumn period, firefighters and outreach teams will be visiting schools across the region to share firework and bonfire safety advice and stress the importance of respectful behaviour.

Kate Green, Deputy Mayor for Safer and Stronger Communities, thanked the majority of residents who celebrate safely but warned that troublemakers would face consequences.

“Each year we see a minority acting unacceptably, causing distress to other residents, communities and emergency services. We are once again saying that this behaviour is ‘Bang out of Order’, it will not be tolerated, and offenders could be jailed or fined,” she said.

“If your child is planning to go out during this period, make sure you know where they are, what they are doing, and how to contact them.”

GMFRS Deputy Chief Fire Officer Carlos Meakin added: “This is our busiest time of year. Deliberate fires can be dangerous and could potentially take crews away from attending more serious incidents. While attacks on firefighters and hoax calls decreased last year, the numbers are still higher than we would like. We hope the campaign will help reduce these incidents further.”

Residents are encouraged to attend organised displays wherever possible. For those planning fireworks at home, GMFRS reminds people to follow the Firework Safety Code, including:

• Only buy UKCA or CE-marked fireworks
• Keep fireworks in a metal box and light one at a time
• Stand well back and never return to a lit firework
• Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves
• Never throw fireworks or carry them in pockets
• Keep pets indoors
• Avoid alcohol if handling fireworks
• Have water on hand for emergencies

From 15 October to 10 November, Fire Safety Inspectors will carry out more than 100 inspections at licensed premises across Greater Manchester to check fireworks are being stored safely. Businesses could face enforcement action if found to be breaching regulations.

Residents can report anti-social behaviour through the GMP LiveChat service or by calling 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.