“Keep your loved ones safe this Bonfire Night. Attend an organised firework display and avoid building bonfires.”
That’s the message from firefighters at County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) to residents and families in the run up to November 5.
The Service has joined forces with Durham Constabulary, Durham County Council and Darlington Borough Council to highlight important bonfire and firework safety advice and ensure the public are aware of the dangers they pose.
CDDFRS Group Manager Jon Singleton said: “The safest way to keep your loved ones safe as you celebrate Bonfire Night is to attend an organised fireworks display and avoid building bonfires.
“However, if you do decide to have fireworks at home, we urge you to follow the safety advice in The Firework Code.
“We cannot stress enough how important it is that only an adult handles fireworks, that they avoid alcohol while doing so and that they ensure the fireworks are bought from a licenced retailer.
“And remember, always wear gloves if using sparklers and never give them to children under five years old.
“We also urge people not to have a bonfire in their backyard as these often do not have proper safety measures in place and can contain hazardous items, making them extremely dangerous.
“They are also an environmental hazard and can be very disruptive and distressing for your neighbours.
“However, if you do have a bonfire, make sure it is away from sheds, fences and trees and keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby. More safety information can be found on our website ddfire.gov.uk.”
Darlington Borough Council and Durham County Council are also warning residents against building unauthorised bonfires on public land and urged people to report any they see to their local council.
Owen Cleugh, Durham County Council’s Safer Places Manager, said: “Unauthorised fireworks displays and bonfires result in hundreds of nuisance incidents for the fire service, and can potentially take resources away from communities that are in need of it more.
“Organised fireworks displays are the safest way to enjoy bonfire night, and we would urge people to attend these instead.
“If residents are planning to buy fireworks for their own display, please buy them from a licenced seller and follow all safety precautions, particularly when storing the fireworks before use and paying particular attention to the safe separation distance when setting them off.
“Help us keep people safe by reporting any unauthorised bonfires being built so we can work with the landowners and take steps to dismantle them rapidly.
“To report an unauthorised bonfire in County Durham and for details on fire safety and the law, visit www.durham.gov.uk/fireworksafety.
“For organised displays across the county visit: Fireworks displays - Durham County Council.”
Cllr Jim Garner, Darlington Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, said: “Bonfires can be dangerous and can result in nuisance incidents for the fire service to deal with, potentially putting others at risk by taking much-needed resources away from more serious emergencies.
“Please think twice about building your own bonfire and do let us know if you see any bonfires being built in public areas so we can keep our communities safe and remember, always follow The Firework Code.”
Meanwhile, Durham Constabulary warned that anyone found using fireworks illegally could face a fine of up to £5,000 and a six-month prison sentence.
A Durham Constabulary spokesperson said: “Our top priority is making sure everyone can enjoy Bonfire Night safely, so officers will be on patrol as usual where you live, alongside joining fire crews on key nights of action.
“We’d like to remind people that it is illegal to set off or throw fireworks, including sparklers, in the street or any other public places.
“Anyone found breaking these laws risks a fine of up to £5,000 or a six-month prison sentence.
“When Bonfire Night comes around, we’d encourage everyone to head to an organised display, as these are the safest and most enjoyable way to see fireworks.
“Please stay safe and have fun.”
If you see an unauthorised bonfire being built on public land, please report it to the council to help keep our communities safe.
To report an unauthorised bonfire in County Durham and for details on firework safety, visit: www.durham.gov.uk/fireworksafety
To report an unauthorised bonfire in the Darlington area, call 01325 406999 or email customerservices@darlington.gov.uk during normal office hours.
If it is an emergency, dial 999 and ask for the fire service.
The Firework Code
• Only buy fireworks from licenced retailers and ensure they have the CE or UKCA mark on the box.
• Only an adult should buy and handle fireworks.
• Fireworks should be kept in a closed box and away from children and pets.
• An adult should carefully read and follow the instructions for lighting fireworks.
• Fireworks should be lit one at a time and at an arm's length.
• Always stand well back after lighting fireworks.
• Never go back to a lit firework.
• Never throw fireworks or put them in your pocket.
• Keep pets indoors and supervise children around fireworks.
Disposing of fireworks safely
• After your firework has gone off, leave it for 30 minutes and then place it in a bucket of water for 24 hours.
• Then put the wet firework in a plastic bin bag, tie the bag closed and put it in the appropriate bin.
