Burns fear over home fireworks

THERE could be a spike in severe burns if families hold their own private fireworks parties, firefighters have said.

With big organised displays such as Ashbourne’s fireworks night, and the huge event at Alton Towers being cancelled this year amid the coronavirus pandemic, there is widespread concern that individuals could let off fireworks in their own back gardens.

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) is calling on members of the public not to have bonfires on their own private property.

Fire prevention group manager at Derbyshire, Kevin Page said: “With safety in mind, we know that Bonfire Night is time when people gather to mark the Gunpowder Plot with fireworks and a bonfire, but this year with organised events being cancelled we are concerned that more people will turn to their own gardens to host a bonfire party.

“A garden bonfire can easily get out of hand with fire spreading quickly from hedges, overhanging trees and garages to the house.

“Not only do these fires pose a serious risk to you, your family, your property and the public, but out of control bonfires take our crews away from other potentially life-threatening incidents.

“By calling on people not to have a bonfire we are not aiming to spoil people’s fun, we are simply aware of what can and does go wrong and this year there is the potential for more garden fires than ever – so we are trying to keep everyone safe.”

Ashley Martin, ROSPA public health adviser, said: “We see hundreds of firework-related injuries every year, and they literally change lives, with people receiving scarring that requires lifelong treatment.

“Please only buy from reputable retailers, check the box carries a CE mark, and make sure you’re only buying category two and category three fireworks.”