London Fire Brigade Had Quietest Bonfire Night On Record

How Strictly Come Dancing Helped The London Fire Brigade

London Fire Brigade had its quietest bonfire night on record this year, thanks to people staying in to watch Strictly Come Dancing and the X Factor, according to a report to be published next month.

Firefighters in the capital went to 154 incidents on November 5, down by 12% on the previous year, and the lowest number ever.

The brigade said the fall was down to a triple whammy of the popular TV programmes being broadcast on the same night, and its decision to send Twitter messages reminding people to put out fires before going inside, and warning of the dangers of lighting fireworks after drinking.

Ron Dobson, commissioner of the London Fire Brigade, said: "Bonfire night is traditionally the busiest night of the year for firefighters up and down the country but this year was different.

"With Strictly and the X Factor encouraging people to stay inside and the London Fire Brigade highlighting the dangers of bonfire night live via Twitter, people were much more likely to stay safe.

"We know that young people, celebrating with their friends, are amongst those most likely to have fires on bonfire night. Our Tweetathon was a great way of communicating with young people who might not otherwise think about fire safety."

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