27/10/2008 - Fireworks safety for bonfire night

Cumbria’s top firefighter is urging bonfire night revellers to make sure their celebrations go without incident this year by attending organised firework displays. 

Last year Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service was called to 196 bonfire related incidents between October 2 and November 12 - this was a 40% increase on the 2006 figure of 140. There were also a further 9 firework incidents involving the fire and rescue service last year. 

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 continue to buy fireworks for private displays, Cumbria Fire & Rescue service is urging them to follow a few simple safety 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 Media Officer Chris Little on 01228 226334