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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To call the police about teenagers and a bonfire

25 replies

Feellikescrooge · 17/02/2015 19:24

I am getting increasingly worried about a bonfire on a beach directly opposite me. A group of teenagers roughly 14 to 18 have been there since about 4.30 and have been building up a bonfire, it is now huge and they are getting louder and louder. It is at least half a mile to the nearest house and they are now running around the beach with lit driftwood. Whilst I think it is dangerous I am a little worried since I live here alone and there would be no doubt about who phoned. I thought it might be better to call the fire brigade, any ideas?

OP posts:

Bonbonbonbon · 17/02/2015 19:26

What are you worried will happen?

CupidStuntSurvivor · 17/02/2015 19:30

If it's half a mile to the nearest house, what's the problem?

mamapain · 17/02/2015 19:30

But what are you worrying about, beach bonfires are quite normal aren't they? Teenagers not following Health and Safety practices is also very normal.

Original poster

Feellikescrooge · 17/02/2015 19:32

My house will catch fire, it is part thatched, but more that they will injure themselves. In the summer this is quite a regular event but then all the holiday cottages and cafe are occupied. It is as much they are very loud/ foul mouthed and seem very drunk/ high. I am really worried and whilst my shih tzu is getting aggravated he is no defence.

OP posts:

mamapain · 17/02/2015 19:37

But if you're half a mile away how is your house going to catch fire? Also what is your dog going to be defending you against?

Can you not just let them have some half term fun, its only 7:30pm. Maybe when it gets later, if they are still causing a disturbance, then make a call.

Original poster

Feellikescrooge · 17/02/2015 19:44

No it is directly opposite my house, it is just mine is the only permanently occupied hours for half a mile. This is not the regular 'holiday fun', I am used to that and as a parent and secondary teacher not intimidated by teenagers but they are not sitting around the fire having a laugh. It is a huge fire that they are building and building and now throwing lit wood.

OP posts:

magimedi · 17/02/2015 19:46

Well if you are that worried ring the police or fire brigade instead of posting here.

None of us can see the bonfire so are in no position to judge the threat of it to life/limb/property.

Original poster

Feellikescrooge · 17/02/2015 19:54

It is more I feel bad because my children had them. It just seems wilder tonight and I didn't recognise any of the kids from the village. I was genuinely asking if I was overreacting. I am aware it is early and I don't want to be a killjoy. Since I am alone I just wanted a little contact, sorry if I thought that is the purpose of forums. #shouldhaveknownbetter

OP posts:

skylark2 · 17/02/2015 19:54

I'd suggest you call the fire brigade if it's enormous and likely to cause damage.

Tell them that you are worried about repercussions as yours is the only occupied house.

sleepingdragon · 17/02/2015 20:48

How's it going OP? They probably don't realise your house is occupied, which hopefully makes you feel safer about calling to report/for advice. Unless the only suitable spot for a bonfire is outside your house it sounds they have gone there to get away from other people? Again depending on the landscape, the bonfire is probably visible to other houses a distance away? If you are worried you could specifically mention you feel vulnerable and could the people attending imply the call was from someone who spotted the fire and worried it was a holiday cottage burning? I'm not sure how the police or fire brigade work except that they will also want to protect your safety.

Original poster

Feellikescrooge · 17/02/2015 21:04

Well they are still there, I decided to ring at 10 if it has not been damped down, fortunately the wind is away from my house. I actually think they chose outside my house because it is the only light source apart from the moon.
I feel bad because of all the bonfires my DC had but we were always hovering in the background and they knew DH would be out there if there was any chance of the fire getting out of control but this one is four times the size.

It is the first time since my DH died, four years ago, that I have really felt vulnerable. I think it is because they are so raucous.i just don't want to go to bed until they have gone and the fire is out.

OP posts:

StillStayingClassySanDiego · 17/02/2015 21:16

Feellike I'd be nervous too especially being isolated.

I bet they'll bugger off soon and the fire will die down, if in doubt phone the services, I would.

Stay in touch for support.

Patsyandeddie · 17/02/2015 21:38

Let them get on with it, I did far worse, they are only being teenagers! Why do so many people on here have such short memories!!

SistersOfPercy · 17/02/2015 21:41

Patsy, letting them get on with it is all well and good until the wind changes and embers are blown towards op's house. You did see the bit where she mentioned her thatched roof?

MaxPepsi · 17/02/2015 21:44

Call the fire brigade. Fire out in the open. They will attend.

Original poster

Feellikescrooge · 17/02/2015 22:03

Well just called the Fire Brigade, they have just poured some sort of accelerant on the fire so it leapt up.

OP posts:

mindthegap79 · 17/02/2015 22:18

How's it going OP?

FarFromAnyRoad · 17/02/2015 22:21

Jeez I'm not surprised you're spooked by this - so many things could go wrong and not just for you - for the kids too.
Let us know what happened.

Chillyegg · 17/02/2015 22:21

Bloody hell your right call the fire brigade! If you feel vulnerable, if they have in fact poured some form of accelerant then definitely call the fire brigade and or the police.
I got up to mischief, but I always managed to stay away from chemicals and fire.

rootypig · 17/02/2015 22:25

Sounds like you're pretty savvy OP, I'm sure you've made the right call. They might well thank you for it once they've sobered up. Let us know what happens.

Griphook · 17/02/2015 22:32

You've done the right thing, try not to worry about comeback, I'm sure once the Fire brigade turn up
they will just run off.

Penguito · 17/02/2015 22:34

You've fone the right thing, one of them could have got injured.

MojaveWanderer123 · 17/02/2015 22:45

I knew when you said they were chucking lit logs about it could get serious. You've done the right thing. Hope it's sorted quick and you can get some sleep soon.

AliceLidl · 17/02/2015 22:51

It doesn't have to have been you OP.

Half a mile is not far when it comes to spotting a fire, it could be that the other house saw and reported it, or someone passing on the road in a car or walking a dog and ringing from a mobile phone. The flames and smoke will have been visible for miles. A police car nearby might have seen them while out on normal patrol.

They don't have to know it was you. And it sounds like you did the right thing.

TeenageMutantNinjaTurtle · 17/02/2015 23:01

Hope things are ok op. Did fire brigade come?

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