Cumbria’s top firefighter is urging bonfire night revellers to make sure their celebrations go with a bang and not a whimper this year by attending organised firework displays.
Last year, Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service was called to 140 bonfire related incidents in the weeks leading up to and including 5 November.
Cumbria’s Chief Fire Officer Dominic Harrison said: "We want people to celebrate this year's Bonfire Night in the safest way possible by attending organised public firework displays which are much safer, more entertaining and a lot more cost effective.
"For people who will continue to buy fireworks for private displays, we urge them to follow a few simple safety do’s and don’ts."
Bonfire Night do's and don'ts
* If you are holding your own event, keep fireworks in a closed metal box and take them out one at a time.
* Follow the manufacturers' instructions on each firework. Read them by torchlight - NEVER by naked flame.
* Light fireworks at arm's length using a safety firework lighter or fuse wick.
* Stand back after lighting.
* NEVER go back to a firework once lit - it may go off in your face.
* Used fireworks should be collected after the display with care. Douse with water, bury or place in a metal container.
Keep children under control.
* Keep pets indoors.
* For an emergency keep buckets of water, the garden hose or a fire extinguisher ready.
* Site bonfires well away from houses, garages, sheds, fences, overhead cables, trees and shrubs AND ALWAYS AWAY FROM FIREWORKS.
* Before lighting the fire, check that no pets or children are hiding inside it.
* Build the stack so that it is stable and will not collapse outwards or to one side.
* NEVER use flammable liquids - paraffin or petrol - to light the fire.
* Don't burn foam-filled furniture, aerosols, tins of paint or bottles.
* Keep everyone away from the fire - especially children, who must be supervised all the time.
* Pour water on the embers before leaving.
ENDS
Media enquiries to Mark Graham, Media Officer on 01228-606337