Bonfire night expected to be a busy affair for Wiltshire's emergency services

Many organised bonfire night events across Wiltshire have been cancelled this year due to the pandemic.

This means that people are more likely to be celebrating from home.

That could add extra pressure onto our emergency services and Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service are now urging anyone taking part to be extra careful.

Ian Hopkins, Prevention Delivery Manager at DWFRS, said:

“We are asking everyone to show respect this Bonfire Night, to their neighbours, to the emergency services, and to the real dangers that fireworks and bonfires can pose.

Everything is very different this year, we know families will want to have some fun, so we all need to think twice about what we’re doing, take extra care and follow all the advice about how to stay safe.”

Whilst most of us enjoy fireworks responsibly, in the wrong hands they can cause real misery.

The fire service are asking us to stick to the Firework code to make sure we're doing it safely:

• Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable, and ensure it finishes before 11pm

• Only buy fireworks which carry the CE mark, keep them in a closed box and use them one at a time

• Read and follow the instructions on each firework, using a torch if necessary

• Light the firework at arm's length with a taper and stand well back

• Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks

• Never return to a firework once it has been lit

• Don't put fireworks in pockets and never throw them

• Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators

• Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire

• Make sure that the fire is out, and surroundings are made safe, before leaving

JOINT PLEA

The fire service has also joined up with other blue light agencies like South Western Ambulance and Wiltshire Police to urge us to limit the pressure.

A South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson said:

“We would encourage everyone to stay safe this bonfire and fireworks season, and to prevent injuries by following the Firework Code. If someone does suffer a burn, get it treated as soon as possible to limit the damage to their skin.”

Cool the burn with cool or lukewarm running water for 20 minutes immediately after the injury is sustained, then cover the burn with clingfilm or a clean plastic bag.

Anyone who is injured by a firework should call NHS 111 for advice if you don’t know what to do, or call 999 for an ambulance if they are seriously injured or their life may be at risk.

Fireworks can also frighten people and animals. If you're planning to let off fireworks it might be neighbourly to tell the people next door and close by.

You must not set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, except for Bonfire Night itself, when the cut off is midnight.

Superintendent Gavin Williams from Wiltshire Police said:

“We know that fireworks can be great fun, but please remember that you must be over 18 to purchase fireworks and that it is illegal to set off or throw fireworks - including sparklers - in the street or other public places.

You can be fined up to £5,000 and imprisoned for up to six months for selling or using fireworks illegally, and there’s also an on-the-spot fine of £90. It is also important that people remember to following the current Covid rules around not gathering in large groups.

I know people will be keen to mark Bonfire Night this year, but you will probably need to adapt your plans to ensure you are keeping yourself and others safe as we continue to see a rise in Covid cases across the country.”