Warning over dangerous bonfires
ENVIRONMENTAL health chiefs in Shetland are warning that hazardous materials are being used in the construction of bonfires for Guy Faulkes night.
A spokesman for the SIC’s environmental health service said tyres, furnishings and carpets containing foams and plastics that can pose a danger to public health had been discovered at some sites.
He said: “These can release harmful fumes, which could be inhaled by people standing around the bonfire. Last year there were also incidents of butane gas canisters and pressurised aerosols containers being found on bonfire sites and these items are extremely dangerous when heated and could have caused serious injury to the public.
“While the service does not wish to detract from the enjoyment of bonfire night, there are concerns that items are being dumped irresponsibly onto these sites causing a serious threat to the public’s health and safety.”
The environmental health service is recommending that every site is inspected by bonfire organisers prior to lighting to ensure that no hazardous items are present.
The council will collect hazardous items if the public or bonfire committees are concerned about safety. The service can be contacted on (01595) 744800.