Bonfire Night safety messaging in West Yorkshire has been praised by Councillors, although one questioned whether it was seen by half the world’s population as data suggested.
Councillors from across the region were given an update on how West Yorkshire Fire Service coped with the 2024 Bonfire period at a meeting earlier this month.
During the final meeting of West Yorkshire Fire Authority of 2024, fire chiefs detailed the work done in the run up to the Bonfire period to spread safety messages and engage with young people who may be tempted to carry out the anti-social behaviour that has plagued cities like Bradford and Leeds in previous years.
A report to members said that as well as local media, the service featured on a segment on BBC Breakfast.
Dave Taggart of West Yorkshire Fire Service pointed out that data from media monitoring platform Vuelio found that the “online reach” of the various campaigns was 4.74 billion people.
He added: “It just shows how far that messaging goes.”
Wakefield Councillor Ryk Downes said: “4.7 billion people is half the world’s population. Can we get a further breakdown of individual web hits? It just seems a ridiculous number.”
Mr Taggart said the service would try to provide a more accurate breakdown of individual visits to the service’s website and social media in the future
He added: “Each year we try to get specific date of how many people have clicked on the pages. It is not as easy as you’d think.”
Members were also told that the service carries out school visits and education packages in the weeks leading up to Bonfire Night.
The report to members said: “Engaging with the local community is crucial, with various activities specifically targeted at higher-risk areas.
“This year, additional resources were allocated to areas that had experienced higher levels of attacks and ASB in previous years.
“This included the rollout of newly created education packages, in three variants which consists of an anti social behaviour Bonfire talk, Hoax call Bonfire Talk and a Full Bonfire talk.
“This allows the input to be tailored more closely to the needs of the students.”
The report said community and education work in Bradford was increased by 10 per cent this year, with the District seen as a hot spot for anti-social behaviour in the Halloween and Bonfire period.
The report said: “Bradford District and West Yorkshire Police worked together to identify key problem areas which allowed all partners to prioritise activities. This created a comprehensive data led approach to key problem areas.”
Councillors praised the work done by the service in the lead up to Bonfire Night.
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