As residents will be getting ready to enjoy Bonfire Night after missing out during the pandemic, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service is reminding people to stay safe while enjoying fireworks.
Bonfire Night can be plenty of fun for all of the family to enjoy, but with lots of potential hazards, it’s really important to keep the family safe. Help support the local community and go to an organized firework display instead of holding one at home.
Be safe
Group Commander Per Middleton, the Service’s head of Community Fire Safety, said, “We want everyone to enjoy Bonfire Night this year, especially as the pandemic prevented it last year, and being safe while enjoying yourself should always be a priority."
"Our crews are often called to incidents involving bonfires and fireworks that can be easily avoided by taking a few precautions."
organized fireworks
We would urge these people to follow our simple firework and bonfire safety tips to ensure they are staying safe"
“Simple things like attending an organized fireworks display can make a big difference. A map with details of displays around the county is available on the Cambridgeshire website to help find the closest one."
“However, we are also aware that people like to host their own displays in their gardens for example. We would urge these people to follow our simple firework and bonfire safety tips to help ensure they are staying safe.”
Safety Tips
If people do plan on using fireworks at home, please ensure to consider the safety advice below:
Fireworks:
- Only buy fireworks with a CE mark.
- Light fireworks at arm’s length using a taper, stand well back, and never go back to a lit firework.
- Never throw fireworks or put them in pockets or clothing.
- Light sparklers one at a time wear gloves, and place used sparklers in a bucket of water.
- Never give sparklers to children under five.
- Keep pets indoors throughout the evening.
- It is illegal to sell fireworks to someone under the age of 18 or to light fireworks in a public place.
- Respect the neighbors, don’t let off fireworks late at night, and remember there are laws to follow.
Cambridgeshire would urge people to think twice about having a bonfire.
Bonfire tips
Lighting a bonfire in a garden presents significant risks to residents if they get out of hand. Not only this, but the smoke can also aggravate neighbors with respiratory problems.
If people do decide to have a bonfire, please follow the top five tips:
- Build bonfires well clear of buildings, garden sheds, fences, and hedges.
- Never use flammable liquids to start a bonfire, and never burn dangerous items such as aerosol cans, paint tins, foam furniture, or batteries.
- Don’t leave bonfires unattended. An adult should supervise it until it has burnt out. If it has to be left, damp it down with plenty of water.
- Always keep a bucket of water or a hosepipe nearby in case the fire spreads.
- Check the weather - avoid lighting bonfires in high winds.
