Attend organise bonfire plea
Bonfire night revellers are being urged not to have back garden celebrations but instead go to organised events.
Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service says there are a number of organised Firework displays across the area over the weekend which are the safest way to enjoy the festivities.
Fire chiefs say that if families are having their own bonfire they should follow safety advice.
Bonfires should be sited well away from houses, garages, sheds, fences, overhead cables, trees and shrubs and always away from fireworks, Malcolm Stevenson from the fire service said.
It should be built so that it is stable and will not collapse outwards or to one side.
Before lighting the fire the organisers should check that no wild animals, such as hedgehogs, have made their home in the stack or are sheltering there.
"Never use flammable liquids – paraffin or petrol – to light the fire and don't burn foam-filled furniture, aerosols, tins of paint and bottles," he said.
"Keep everyone away from the fire – especially children, who must be supervised all the time," Mr Stevenson said.
"For an emergency keep buckets of water or the garden hose or a fire extinguisher ready and at the end of the bonfire, pour water on the embers before leaving."
There is also a firework code that warns of the dangers of handling fireworks. More information is available on www.shropshirefire.gov.uk/safety-community/firework-code http://www.gov.uk/fireworks-the-law.
The highly successful Oswestry community bonfire began 29 years ago when firefighters in the town were concerned about the number of out-of-hand back garden bonfire and firework events they were attending.
The Treble Niners group, made from retired and retained firefighters, was set up and, in conjuction with Oswestry, has organised an annual event, which has gone on to raise more than £80,000 for charities and good causes.
This year, due to retirements and shift work , the Treble Niners felt unable to continue putting the event at risk.
However, Oswestry Borderland Rotary Club stepped in to help out. The club already co-organises the town's annual Christmas parade, again stepping in when the town's Lions Club pulled out.
This year's Oswestry Bonfire and Fireworks will be held at Brogyntyn Park in the town on Saturday.
