As Bonfire Night approaches, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service are joining forces with their partners to encourage members of the public to attend an organised firework display and giving out tips to stay safe in the lead up to the 5th November.
CDDFRS have are launching the #BetterBonfire campaign on social media in partnership with Durham County Council, Darlington Borough Council and Durham Constabulary to ensure the public are aware of the dangers of bonfires and fireworks which includes the firework code, safe use of sparklers and keeping your furry friends safe indoors.
Bonfires and Fireworks can seriously injure and scar people for life if they are not treated responsibly. It is important Fireworks meet BS 7114 standard and have the new UKCA mark on the side of the packaging.
Lee Aspery, Community Safety and Arson Reduction Manager, said: “If you intend to have fireworks at home, plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable by keeping a safe distance, however the best way to stay safe is to go to an organised display. You’ll see a lot more fireworks and it’s a lot cheaper. If you are planning to use fireworks at home, then please follow our safety advice and the firework code.”
The 9 steps to staying safe using The Firework Code:
- If you garden length is less than 8m from your home, (or other homes or structures), consider attending an organised display.
- Only buy fireworks which carry the CE or UKCA mark from a recognised reputable retailer.
- Read and follow the instructions on each firework using a torch if necessary.
- Keep your fireworks in a closed box and use them one at a time.
- Have an adult light the fireworks at arm's length using a taper and stand well back.
- Never return to a firework once it has been lit.
- Never keep fireworks in pockets and never throw them.
- Rockets should be launched using the provided tube into clear over head space and well away from spectators.
- Only adults should handle and light fireworks, (avoid drinking alcohol until after the fireworks are done).
Remember alcohol and fireworks don’t mix; one person should be responsible for lighting the fireworks.
Bonfires are dangerous and an environmental hazard, CDDFRS ask the public not to have bonfires.
Sparklers can reach temperatures of up to 2000 degrees Celsius so please supervise children ensuring they are wearing gloves, light sparklers one at a time, and put used sparklers hot end down into a bucket of water. Never give children under 5 sparklers.
If a firework fails to go off, leave it for at least 30 minutes and then place it in a bucket of water. Use something heavy like a brick to keep it in the water. Leave for a minimum of 24 hours and then place the wet firework in a plastic bin bag and tie the bag closed. Do not dry the firework out or take it out of the bag, they need to stay wet. They can now be disposed of in a normal bin.
Most animals get very scared by the lights and noise from fireworks so keep your furry friends safe indoors.
Lee Aspery added: “By following this important advice and remembering the Firework Code, we hope that everyone can enjoy a #BetterBonfire this year and every year.
Owen Cleugh, Durham County Council’s public protection manager, said: “Around 1,000 people are injured each year by fireworks and five per cent of these are serious.
“We know the vast majority of these injuries occur at family or private parties and that is why we advise people to celebrate bonfire night in the safest possible way by attending an organised fireworks display wherever possible.
“Unauthorised bonfires are not only more dangerous but also result in hundreds of nuisance incidents for the fire service, which is why we encourage people to report any they see being built.
“We also encourage people to report any sales of illegal fireworks. If you do buy fireworks please make sure you buy them from a licensed seller and follow advice which will be on the items and is widely available about using them safely.”
For safety advice visit www.durham.gov.uk/fireworksafety and to report an illegal bonfire visit www.durham.gov.uk/fireworks
Cllr Mike Renton, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for stronger communities, said: “We want everyone to be able to enjoy bonfire night safely and would encourage you to attend an organised display, such as our own event in South Park, wherever possible. However, if you do decide to have fireworks at home make sure they're from a reputable retailer and follow the firework code.
“We’ll also be working closely with police and other partners to deal with anyone found to be involved in antisocial behaviour or setting off fireworks irresponsibly."
A Durham Constabulary spokeswoman said: “We want everyone to enjoy themselves on Bonfire Night. Our number one priority is ensuring everyone stays safe, so our officers will be on patrol as normal.
“When Bonfire Night arrives, we’d encourage people to attend an organised event as they are the safest way to enjoy fireworks.”
For details of organised firework displays please visit Durham County Council’s or Darlington Borough Council’s websites.
