Passions may be burning but fire service not expecting extra calls after Fifty Shades of Grey film release

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue say it is not expecting an increase in calls from people getting stuck in handcuffs or rings as a result of the release of the film ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’.
Fifty Shades of Grey with Dakota Johnson as Anastasia "Ana" Steele and Jamie Dornan as Christian Grey. Picture: PA PhotosFifty Shades of Grey with Dakota Johnson as Anastasia "Ana" Steele and Jamie Dornan as Christian Grey. Picture: PA Photos
Fifty Shades of Grey with Dakota Johnson as Anastasia "Ana" Steele and Jamie Dornan as Christian Grey. Picture: PA Photos

The service issued a statement days after a warning from London Fire Brigade who said they were concerned that the film, released in cinemas today (Friday) could cause an increase in people being trapped in the items.

However. Herts chief fire officer Roy Wilsher said they were not anticipating similar problems in the county.

He said: “Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service deals with many incidents on a regular basis that threaten the safety of people living and travelling through Hertfordshire.

“Any suggestion that there is an increase in any particular type of incident following a film release is purely speculative and unhelpful.

“Anyone needing assistance should contact the emergency services in the normal way and the appropriate level of help will be provided.”

A county council spokesman said that in the past year only two people had needed to be released from handcuffs in the county.

He said: “Both called in at their local fire station, one in Baldock, and one in St Albans to ask for help, rather than dialling 999.”

The warning from London Fire Brigade came just a few days after B&Q sent a memo to staff, telling them to expect increased sales on rope and duct tape as customers tried to copy scenes from the film.

The memo, later revealed to be a PR stunt, also advised staff to watch the movie so they could answer any sensitive questions customers had.

The book, released in 2011 and written by EL James tells the story of a deepening relationship between college graduate Anastasia Steele and businessman Christian Grey.

The film features a number of sex scenes where items such as handcuffs, rope, cable ties and rings are used.

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