A crackdown on illegal bonfires in the run-up to November 5th has been launched in the area.
The two-week campaign aims to reduce the number of unnecessary call-outs to the fire and rescue service.
Members of the public will be warned of the dangers of unauthorised bonfires on public land and encouraged not to supply materials that could be used for burning.
They will also be asked to report any illegal woodpiles so they can be dismantled and removed before being set alight.
The initiative is being organised by Durham County Council and Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service through the Safe Durham Partnership.
Oliver Sherratt, Durham County Council’s head of direct services and chair of the anti-social behaviour group of the Safe Durham Partnership, said, “As well as being a direct danger to the public, deliberate and nuisance fires are a drain on the fire service’s resources and can divert crews from potentially life-threatening work elsewhere.
“Their removal is also costly and time-consuming for the council and, consequently, anyone suspected of building an illegal bonfire on public land could receive an £80 fixed penalty fine for flytipping.
“We would, therefore urge residents not to encourage the building of unauthorised fires and to report any they see to the council.”
Residents will be asked not to provide old furniture or waste materials to youngsters who call at their home, to ensure their wheeley bins are replaced promptly after emptying so they can not be targeted and not to allow waste to build up outside their homes.
The council’s neighbourhood wardens will be working with police and firefighters to identify fires, which will be removed by the authority’s clean and green teams.
They will also be visiting schools to talk about bonfire safety and delivering information leaflets to households in hot-spot areas.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
