Firework safety advice as local five service reveal bonfire incidents
In the past three years, between October and November, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service say they attended 42 fires caused by bonfires.
With many Firework events this evening and into the first week of November, Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue are reminding us of the rules around fireworks and bonfires to make sure we stay safe.
They've revealed in the past three years, between October and November, they attended 42 fires caused by bonfires. The service say they would always recommend only attending organised firework and bonfire displays.
Here's Darren Carson Team Leader in the Prevention Department at the service:
"If you can go to an organised display that, probably the best thing to do."
But the service is also urging members of the public that are planning on holding their own display to do so safely to avoid causing fires and injuries.
Advice if you are planning on having your own bonfire:
- Build bonfires well away from houses, garages, sheds, fences, overhead cables, trees and shrubs
- Ensure that built bonfires are stable, and won’t collapse outwards or to one side
- Do not use flammable liquids to light the fire
- Don’t burn aerosols, tins of paints, bottles or any foam filled furniture
- Before lighting the fire, check that no wildlife, pets or children are hiding inside of it
Darren also says it's important to keep a water source nearby:
"Whether that's a garden hose or a bucket of water just in things get case, things get out of hand. However, if anybody does have a bonfire and does feel it is getting out of control we always recommended they dial 999 and ask for the fire service."
It is always recommended to have one person responsible for lighting a bonfire. That person, and any helpers, should wear suitable clothing such as a substantial outer garment made of wool or other low flammable material and strong boots or shoes.
Advice if you are letting off fireworks at home:
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully
- Always light fireworks at arm’s length, using a safety firework lighter or a fuse wick
- Keep a bucket of water handy or other water sources such as a garden hose
- Never go back to a firework once lit, put them in your pocket or throw them
- Always read the instructions for safe disposal of fireworks. After a display, collect used fireworks with care by dousing and then submerging them in water for 24-48 hrs, remember to SOAK IT, BAG IT, BIN IT.
Darren says often people forget to wait until sparklers or fireworks have cooled to discard them:
"People put fireworks straight into refuse bins maybe when they haven't cooled down. So having a really good think about that and where possible, if you have got the fireworks and you're transporting them from the house to garden, try and have them in a metal container and again keep them away from children."
The service say fireworks can be fun and beautiful, but they can also cause devastating injuries to people and damage to property if they are used in the wrong way.