Residents urged to stay safe this Bonfire Night
28 Oct 2022 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
With Bonfire night around the corner, Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) is reminding residents to take precautions and plan ahead for what should be a fun but safe night of celebrations.
NFRS has issued a number of safety tips that residents should follow to ensure their safety, with an emphasis on attending properly organised displays rather than home displays.
Paul Hedley, Chief Fire Officer at NFRS, said: “Fireworks and bonfires can be fun but it’s so important for residents to be cautious and to enjoy the celebrations responsibly.
“We always recommend residents visit organised public displays which are much safer, more spectacular and more cost effective.
“But if anyone is unable to attend an organised display or is planning their own event, they need to follow our safety advice very carefully.”
NFRS is working closely with Northumbria Police and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service to keep people safe as part of the #DarkerNights campaign.
People are only permitted to build a bonfire on private land, leaving at least 18 metres distance from buildings, trees, electrical items and telephone lines.
The only safe fuel sources to use for a bonfire are wood, paper, cardboard and foliage. Under no circumstances should aerosols, tyres, plastics or anything containing foam or paint be used on the fire, as these produce toxic fumes and some containers may explode.
CFO Hedley added: "Unauthorised bonfires can lead to damaged property and increase the risk of injury, and also mean crews can be tied up dealing with nuisance fires when there is a life-critical incident elsewhere."
NFRS’ top 10 safety tips for bonfire night
- Avoid wearing loose clothing or clothing that is labelled as ‘highly flammable’
- Always wear gloves when handling sparklers and fireworks
- Aways have buckets of water ready to put out small fires or cool sparklers
- Make sure children are supervised around fireworks and bonfires
- Never drink alcohol if you are setting off fireworks
- Keep animals indoors and close curtains
- Only purchase fireworks that are sold by a registered seller
- Follow instructions carefully and light fireworks at arm’s length
- Ensure spectators stand back from bonfires and fireworks
- Never go back to a firework that has been lit, even if it hasn’t gone off.