FIRE crews reported a quieter than normal Bonfire Night, with the number of call-outs down on recent years.

County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue service said they were yet to compile accurate figures for the number of incidents on November 5, but it appeared to be very similar to last year when crews responded to 92 call-outs.

The number of bonfirerelated incidents fell by 32 per cent between 2007 and last year and the latest figures appear to show the lower number has been maintained.

While crews were busy throughout the night, no major incidents were reported.

Among the factors cited for the fall was the success of organised fireworks displays such as the one at Aykley Heads, in Durham City, which attracted a record crowd of about 15,000 people.

Paul Reay, director of community safety with County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to sustain the reduction in the number of bonfire-related incidents attended.”

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said the service’s control room received 660 calls – 5.7 per cent up on last year – but again showing a 26.6 per cent decline since 2007.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Tom Capeling said: “I would like to praise our staff for their hard work under difficult circumstances at what is one of our busiest times of the year.”

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Fire Brigade said: “We attended 88 deliberate small fires on the night, compared with 76 last year. Last year was the lowest recorded so we are pleased to have maintained this low level.”

Fire crews in North Yorkshire reported no serious incidents.