Drones used to help keep people safe in the run up to Bonfire Night

The drones have been deployed across the city this week to help identify potential issues in hotspot areas where there have been problems in previous years.

This ties in with the work the City Council's environmental enforcement team is already doing to help detect fly-tipping and tackle environmental crime.

Councillor Kevin Johnston, Cabinet Member for Dynamic City at Sunderland City Council, said: "Setting fires deliberately can have devastating consequences, leading to serious and in some cases life-changing burns. That's the very last thing we'd want to happen to any of our residents this Bonfire Night.

"So this is all about keeping people safe. This year we've been using the drones to help identify issues in areas where there have been problems in the past with people starting deliberate fires and illegal bonfires in the lead up to November 5. 

"This is just the latest addition to the proactive work we've been doing over the last few years, working with partners in Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, Northumbria Police and Gentoo to make sure that everyone has a safe Bonfire Night. This has included letter drops asking people to report illegal bonfires, additional patrols in hotspot areas to spot and remove rubbish being piled up for illegal bonfires and asking people to take their bins in.

"So far we've come across little evidence of materials being piled up ready to be set light on Bonfire Night. Four illegal bonfires have been found in Houghton, Farringdon, Doxford and Redhouse. Our neighbourhood wardens came across three of these while out on foot while the fourth was reported by a local councillor. All have been removed by teams from the City Council and our partners at Gentoo.

"We're very much hoping that this is a sign that the work we have done in previous years to dismantle illegal bonfires in public areas and remove the materials which could be used to set them, seems to be paying off but we'll know much better by Monday.

"We'll have teams out all weekend ready to uplift any illegal bonfires and we would urge anyone who comes across these, to do their bit to help keep their communities safe by reporting them to either Crimestoppers or to council."

The City Council has been working closely with Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service in the run up to Bonfire Night by supporting its hard hitting Darker Nights campaign. This is aimed at helping people to stay safe by raising awareness of the potential consequences if things go wrong. Figures released by the fire service show that last year fires in public spaces and parks went up by more than 80 per cent at this time of year.

Anyone who comes across an illegal bonfire should call Firestoppers anonymously for free on 0800 169 5558, or report it online via www.firestoppersreport.co.uk

Any unlit bonfires can also be reported to the council via https://www.sunderland.gov.uk/report-it or by calling 0191 520 5550.