Serious public safety concerns about an annual bonfire event in the north-east’s biggest town have been raised by Aberdeenshire Council and the fire service.
Popular with local residents, the annual bonfire at Gadle Braes in Peterhead is an ongoing safety concern.
In the past gas canisters have been placed into the two-story structure and the heat from the fire has been so fierce nearby windows have melted.
Now the council and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have appealed to the Peterhead public to stay safe as November 5 approaches.
A local authority spokeswoman said: “We have already received reports of illegal dumping of materials in the area for the purposes of the bonfire’s construction and these have been and will continue to be removed.
“We do recognise the community view on this and will work with our partners in the fire and rescue service and Police Scotland to ensure that any unauthorised activity is contained and managed.”
The spokeswoman added that organisers do not hold a licence for the event.
Peterhead fire station manager Bruce Milne echoed the council’s position. He said last night: “We want to make 2014 one of the safest bonfire nights ever and we are appealing to the public who may be planning their own bonfire to consider attending an organised display instead.”
He added: “Our attendance at bonfires could mean our resources are being taken away from other emergencies and calls to assist people in danger or life threatening situations. It could have tragic consequences for those who urgently need our help.”
In the lead up to this year’s bonfire night, firefighters have been visiting schools across the north-east to teach children about the dangers of bonfires and fireworks.
However, the moves to block the Gadle Braes event have provoked a backlash in the town.
Event organisers took to a popular community Facebook page to post their fears that canceling the event could lead to more individual bonfires in the area.
One comment said: “If peoples windows did actually melt then that is a good enough case not to have it there.
“However the authorities should have contacted the organisers at the time and made it clear that they shouldn’t be planning one for this year.”