Suffolk Fire Service Urges Caution Ahead of New Year Celebrations
They're telling people to look out for batteries, bonfires and fireworks
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service is reminding residents to stay safe during New Year’s Eve celebrations, with particular attention to bonfires, fireworks, and alcohol.
Lee Wilkins, Group Manager and Head of the Prevention Department, said the service wants everyone to enjoy the festivities safely.
“We want people to be safe over Christmas and enjoy the holidays, but people need to recognise that these batteries are in things that you sometimes wouldn’t think they are,” Wilkins said, noting that hazards such as fireworks and bonfires can pose similar risks if not handled carefully.
Wilkins highlighted the importance of planning and vigilance: “So just for a bit of awareness and responsibility, people can keep themselves and their families safe and enjoy the holidays.”
He stressed that even small lapses in safety can have serious consequences. “These fires can actually take place in domestic properties… There are some simple steps people can keep themselves as safe as possible,” he said, urging residents to source fireworks and electrical equipment from reputable suppliers and dispose of hazardous materials, like batteries, responsibly.
The fire service also warned that alcohol can increase the risk of accidents around fires and fireworks. Wilkins said: “We want everybody to have a wonderful Christmas and trying to keep as safe as possible… everybody having a wonderful Christmas and trying to keep as safe as possible.”
Residents are advised to supervise children around bonfires and fireworks, maintain a safe distance, and keep water or a hose ready. Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service is supporting local campaigns to raise awareness and reduce the risk of injuries and property damage over the festive period.