This year's campaign to make Bonfire Night safe starts this week.
Bradford Council is joining forces with West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Incommunities, Trading Standards and West Yorkshire Police to crack down on fly-tipping and rubbish fires in the run-up to November 5.
The Council's Environmental Task Force and the Fire Service's Arson Task Force have been out already in the BD3 area clearing up dumped rubbish that could attract arsonists, and giving out advice about fire safety and how to dispose rubbish responsibly through the household waste recycling centres.
Intensive clean-up activity will continue in fire 'hot-spots' throughout the district in the lead-up to Bonfire Night.
Residents are also being asked to be vigilant about flytipping and dangerous and unofficial bonfires and report them to the Council on 01274 431000. All reports of fly-tipping will be investigated with a view to prosecution if enough evidence can be gathered.
Coun Anne Hawkesworth, the Executive Member for Environment and Culture, said: "Last year's campaign saw a fall in the number of incidents we had to deal with and we have the public to thank for that.
"Rubbish fires can be deadly, and put officers and residents at risk as there is no telling what materials they contain. Fly-tipping can include tyres and other plastics which give off toxic fumes or gas cannisters which can explode."
Sarah Laidlow-Moore, Community Relations Manager for West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Services, said: "Rubbish fires are both dangerous, anti-social and are a risk to life and property.
"We would encourage the public to report any incidents of fly-tipping that they come across. We will be working closely with our partners to remove rubbish in the build-up to 5 November to enable Bradford residents to enjoy bonfire night in safety."
Harry Whittle, Director of Incommunities (estate services) said: "As the area's biggest social landlord, we fully support this campaign to make Bonfire Night and its run-up safe for everyone.
"Rubbish that's set alight can put peoples' lives and properties at risk and Incommunities staff will be working closely with partners, including the Council, to make sure fly-tipping and reports of rubbish in neighbourhoods, are dealt with quickly and effectively.
"I would urge any Incommunities customers who see areas of fly-tipping or rubbish being dumped to contact their local housing office and we will follow up all reports promptly and confidentially."
Officer/Contact
Mike Powell
Emergency Planning Manager
Telephone: 01274 432011
Media Relations Officer
Sarah Linley
Telephone: 01274 433526
Fax: 01274 432005
Email: press.communications@bradford.gov.uk
Date: 07.10.08
