Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service is encouraging people to attend public fireworks displays this Bonfire Night, rather than setting off fireworks at home.
The advice comes from the service’s Prevention team, which works to keep people in the county safe by stopping fires from occurring.
Llio Knight-Griffith, Home Fire Safety Manager at Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service, said:
“We know lots of people look forward to celebrating Bonfire Night and we’d just like to make sure they do that as safely as possible.
“Going to an organised public display makes it easier and safer for everyone – and they can be great community events. Fireworks can be dangerous – and we have seen displays in people’s gardens which sometimes lead to accidents and fires that could easily have been avoided.”
If you are holding your own fireworks display, you need to remember these tips to help reduce the risk of harm for everyone attending:
- Only buy fireworks from a reputable retailer.
- Only buy fireworks with a CE mark and make sure the box is sealed.
- Follow instructions on how to use the fireworks carefully.
- Never go back to a lit firework.
- Never throw fireworks.
- Always supervise children around fireworks.
- Build bonfires away from flammable materials such as fences, sheds or trees.
- Use only dry and suitable materials for burning.
- Don’t light your bonfire with petrol.
- Keep a hose or a bucket of water nearby.
- Remember not to give sparklers to children under five, and ensure anyone using a sparkler wears gloves and puts the hot end down into a bucket of water or sand when it has burnt out.
If a fire does break out, call 999 immediately.
For more information and safety advice, visit: Fireworks safety and bonfires – Norfolk County Council
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