Be extra careful with fireworks

CambridgeshireFireandRescue Service is joining forces with local authority partners and emergency services to helpkeeppeoplesafethisbonfire and fireworks season.

With many organised events cancelled 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 those who choose to use them.

We are asking everyone to show respect this bonfire night.

Bonfirenightishistorically a very popular fixture in the calendar where people come together to enjoy fireworkdisplays, howeverthisyearisvery different. With the Covid-19 pandemic still with us, the organised displays we would usually enjoy cannot take place and we are concerned

that some people may look to hold their own displays.

While most people enjoy fireworks responsibly, they canquickly becomeadisaster and, in the wrong hands, they can cause injury and damage to property. Fireworks are explosives andshouldbetreated with respect. Only use fireworks in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and the firework safety code, ensuring all necessary safety precautions are taken.

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.”

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 presentrisksforresidentsand our crews, but with the pandemic still with us we all have a responsibility to ensure we don’t put unnecessary strain onemergencyservices. 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. There are lots of familyfriendly activities people can doathome, suchaswatchinga virtual display, or doing some craftstogethertomarktheoccasion, 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.

If you intend on buying fireworks for a home display, please follow the firework safety code:

• Only buy f i reworks marked with a CE mark

• Don’t drink alcohol if you’re setting off fireworks

• Keepfireworksinaclosed box and always follow the instructions carefully when using them

• Light thematarm’slength 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 your pocket

• Respect your neighbours – don’t let off fireworks late at nightandrememberthereare laws in place you must follow

• Take care with sparklers – never give them to children under five. Even whenthey’ve gone out they’re still hot, so put sparklers in a bucket of water after use

• Keep your pets indoors throughout the evening.

Fireworks can also cause a great deal of distress to animals. Inarecentsurvey, 62per cent of dog owners reported theirpetsshowingsignsofdistress duringfireworksseason, 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.

Group Commander Per

Middleton Head of Community Fire

Safety