Cambridgeshire Fire And Rescue Service Partners With Emergency Services To Help Keep People Safe In Bonfire And Fireworks Season

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service is joining forces with local authority partners and emergency services, in order to help keep people safe in the upcoming bonfire and fireworks season.

With many organized events canceled across the county, emergency services are preparing for a busier night than usual. There is an emerging concern that more people will plan displays and bonfires to celebrate in their own gardens, which could pose significant risk for the people.

Safety measures for Bonfire Night

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service is asking everyone to show respect this Bonfire Night.

With the COVID-19 pandemic still with us, the organized displays we would usually enjoy cannot take place"

Per Middleton, Group Commander - Head of Community Fire Safety at Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, said “Bonfire Night is historically a very popular fixture in the calendar, where people come together to enjoy firework displays, however this year is very different. With the COVID-19 pandemic still with us, the organized displays we would usually enjoy cannot take place and we are concerned that some people may look to hold their own displays.”

Following firework safety code while using fireworks

He adds, “While most people enjoy fireworks responsibly, they can quickly become a disaster and, in the wrong hands, they can cause injury and damage to property. Fireworks are explosives and should be treated with respect. Only use fireworks in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and the firework safety code, ensuring all necessary safety precautions are taken.”

Per Middleton continues, “We would strongly discourage people from lighting bonfires in back gardens, as they present significant risks to residents, if they get out of hand. Not only this, but the smoke can also aggravate coronavirus symptoms for those that might be shielding or isolating.”

Discouraging fireworks displays and bonfires in gardens

He further states, “We would encourage residents across the county to think twice before having their own displays and lighting bonfires in their gardens this year. Not only do these present risks for residents and our crews, but with the pandemic still with us we all have a responsibility to ensure we don't put unnecessary strain on emergency services. Please show respect this Bonfire Night and think twice about having your own display.”

Although bonfire night might look a little different this year, there are still ways families can enjoy it safely"

Group Commander Middleton adds, “Although bonfire night might look a little different this year, there are still ways families can enjoy it safely. There are lots of family friendly activities people can do at home, such as watching a virtual display, or doing some crafts together to mark the occasion, without putting their loved ones at risk. It’s also really important that residents remember the government's rule of six to help control the spread of COVID-19.”

For those who intend on buying fireworks for a home display, please follow the firework safety code:

• Only buy fireworks marked with a CE mark.
• Don't drink alcohol if you're setting off fireworks.
• Keep fireworks in a closed box and always follow the instructions carefully when using them.
• Light fireworks at arm’s length using a taper and stand well back.
• Never go back to them once they are lit. Even if a firework hasn't gone off, it could still explode.
• Never throw fireworks, and never put them in pockets.
• Respect the neighbors – don’t let off fireworks late at night and remember there are laws in place that must be followed.
• Take care with sparklers – never give them to children under five. Even when they've gone out they’re still hot, so put sparklers in a bucket of water after use.
• Keep the pets indoors throughout the evening.

Fireworks cause a great deal of distress to animals

Fireworks can also cause a great deal of distress to animals. In a recent survey, 62 per cent of dog owners reported their pets showing signs of distress during fireworks season, with 54 per cent of cat owners experiencing the same.

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service and the National Fire Chiefs Council are supporting the RSPCA’s Bang Out Of Order campaign, encouraging the responsible use of fireworks and the adoption of tighter regulations concerning their use.