The number of incidents firefighters were called to on Bonfire Night was down by more than a quarter compared to last year.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service workers were called to 60 deliberately-set fires on Sunday night, compared to 81 on the same night last year.
This is the biggest decrease the region has seen since 2011.
Station manager and arson reduction co-ordinator, Paul Kay, said: “It’s very encouraging to see that the planning and partnership work we have carried out has had a positive effect this year.”
Three of the fires involved fireworks, and just 17 of them were bonfire-related – compared to 41 last year.
The 60 fires occurred all across Merseyside, more than half in Liverpool, 10 in Wirral and nine in Knowsley.
Liverpool – 30
Wirral – 10
Knowsley – 9
Sefton – 5
St Helens – 2
November 5th is known for inciting anti-social behaviour relating to bonfires and fireworks. The number of deliberately-set fires on this day has not been this low since 2013, when just 55 incidents took place.
According to Mr Kay, this can be attributed to prevention methods. He said: “In recent weeks, our firefighters and prevention teams have been out in communities clearing away hazardous rubbish and fly-tipping, which could have been used as fuel for fires, and promoting the safe storage of wheelie bins to help prevent them becoming targets for arson.”
One of the incidents in Bootle caused firefighters to be called after fireworks were thrown into a shop.
A member of staff had to be treated by paramedics at the scene. Mr Kay said: “This was a very dangerous act that could have had even more severe, grave consequences.
“Misuse of fireworks can cause serious injury and burns; they should only ever be enjoyed at organised events where they are safely controlled.”
In contrast to the decline in fire service incidents, calls to the police were up by 1% compared to last Bonfire Night.
YouTube: Mersey Fire