Fireworks and Bonfires

As November 5th is almost here, many of us are looking forward to the seasonal fun of a good bonfire and fireworks display. But, each year people end up injured and scarred from not taking common sense precautions, or the dangerous behaviour of others. PLEASE PLEASE have a safe bonfire and fireworks display ... here are a few tips to help;

Bonfires

• If you don't own the site of the bonfire, have you got permission? - check who is responsible for clearing up and any damage.
• Don't put the fire too close to other buildings or fences, or anything which might catch fire.
• Be cautious if there is a strong breeze or wind blowing towards property - it might carry burning embers which could start another blaze! It is an offence under the Highways Act to allow smoke to drift across a road and endanger traffic.
• Try to burn dry material, not household rubbish, tyres, plastics, foam (like in furniture) or paint. BE ESPECIALLY CAREFULL to avoid LPG or gas cylinders, and aerosol cans.
• Don't use petrol, paraffin, engine oil or meths to light the fire.
• Check before you light - make sure nobody has put things into the pile which shouldn't be there.
• Don't leave a fire unattended, have an adult supervisor present always until it burns out.
• Don't block possible access points for emergency vehicles or the audience.
• Rope off a safe area around the fire, to keep curious youngsters away.
• If the bonfire gets out of control, call 999 and ask for the Fire Brigade.