This Saturday London Fire Brigade is set to hold the world’s first live Bonfire Night twitterthon (@LondonFire <http://twitter.com/londonfire> ). You may be wondering why; well, the answer is simple – we’re concerned that the number of fires could rocket this year due to Guy Fawkes night falling on a Saturday. The last time Bonfire Night fell on a weekend (November 2006) there was almost double the number of fires we usually get on Bonfire Night.

We’re hoping that when people see just how many fires we’re called out to they will be shocked into acting more safely – taking steps like building bonfires well away from sheds and fences and not lighting them with petrol can make all the difference. Our tweets will be offering tips on how to prevent such firework and bonfire related fires. We’ve got just over 11,500 followers now so we’re hoping to reach a huge audience, especially if our followers retweet some of the tweets about fires and fire safety tips.

So … if you’re on Twitter get following @LondonFire <http://twitter.com/londonfire> ! We’d also be grateful for any retweets of our Bonfire Night tweets in order to help us to spread some vital fire safety messages as widely as possible.
 
Tweeting will commence at 1600 on Saturday 5 November and will end at midnight.

You can find more advice on bonfire and firework safety on the Brigade’s website <http://www.london-fire.gov.uk/bonfiresandfireworks.asp> .

Please contact the Brigade’s press office for more information on 020 8536 5922 or email emma.cullen@london-fire.gov.uk