Cambridgeshire fire service offers word of warning on Bonfire Night
It's given some tips on how to safely hold fireworks and bonfires
Cambridgeshire fire service is telling us to be cautious with fireworks and bonfires ahead of tonight's celebrations.
They're advising people to go to local organised events to mark bonfire night if they want to see a firework display.
New figures from NHS England show that their burns and scalds advice page receives an average of 8,208 visits during the bonfire weekend, an increase on the average of 3,241 visits per day during the rest of the year.
Station Commander Gareth Boyd is Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue's community risk manager:
"If the weather's bad, especially when it's particularly windy, we wouldn't be advising bonfires to be set because the chance for them to spread and get out of control is more," he said.
"Follow instructions on the (fireworks) packets, light them at arm's length and if it doesn't go off for some reason, don't go back to it.
"Keep your pets indoors and have a thought for people who live around you."
If you plan on using fireworks at home, Cambridgeshire Fire Service has given some tips:
- Only buy fireworks with a CE mark;
- Never throw fireworks or put them in your pockets or clothing;
- Light sparklers one at a time wearing gloves, and place used sparklers in a bucket of water;
- Never give sparklers to children under 5;
- It is illegal to sell fireworks to someone under the age of 18 or to light fireworks in a public place.
If planning to hold a bonfire, the fire service has this advice:
- Build your bonfire well clear of buildings, garden sheds, fences and hedges;
- Never use flammable liquids to start a bonfire, and never burn dangerous items such as aerosol cans, paint tins, foam furniture, or batteries;
- Don’t leave bonfires unattended - a n adult should supervise it until it has burnt out and if it has to be left, damp it down with plenty of water;
- Always keep a bucket of water or a hosepipe nearby in case the fire spreads;
- Check the weather - avoid lighting bonfires in high winds.