SOUTH Wales Fire and Rescue Service are working with the communities to ensure that neighbourhoods stay safe during this year’s Firework season.

While the whizz, bang and pop of fireworks is a delight for everyone, SWFRS will be on patrol to ensure that residents stay safe in the hope to reduce the risk of injury, as well as potential fires caused by stray fireworks or bonfires.

During "Operation Bang" last year, SWFRS attended over 80 deliberate refuse fires between October 28 and November 6, as well as receiving 15 malicious false alarm calls to fictional incidents.

With the high number of deliberate refuse fires, this type of incident continues to be a concern and SWFRS are advising householders to try and avoid putting out their bins the night before collection during Operation Bang.

By putting rubbish out in the morning instead this has can reduce the number of wheelie bins and dustbins targeted by individuals overnight who may wish to place lit fireworks inside.

Refuse fires, while mainly small and contained, have the potential to ignite additional flammable areas such as bushes, lawns and wooden gates. If bins are placed against property, a refuse fire can also lead to the property being at risk.

Dewi Jones, Head of Home Safety and Fire Crime at South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: “As a Service we don’t want to spoil the fun that Halloween and Bonfire Night brings to our local communities, but we also want to ensure that the public stay safe as well.

"If you are planning on going to a fireworks display, ensure that it is a registered public event. However, if you wish to buy your own, please ensure they have the British kitemark safety standard.

"During this period last year there were two attacks on our crews which is disappointing and again, places a strain on our resources as your area will be considered an at risk area for our crews."