Home fireworks to put high demand on Dorset emergency services

Bonfire night is expected to be a much busier affair for emergency services, due to the pandemic.

Dorset firefighters are reminding us to keep ourselves and others safe this bonfire and fireworks season.

Many organised events are cancelled meaning people are more likely to be celebrating from home.

Ian Hopkins, Prevention Delivery Manager at DWFRS, said:

“We are asking everyone to show respect this Bonfire Night, to their neighbours, to the emergency services, and to the real dangers that fireworks and bonfires can pose. Everything is very different this year, we know families will want to have some fun, so we all need to think twice about what we’re doing, take extra care and follow all the advice about how to stay safe.”

Whilst most of us enjoy fireworks responsibly, in the wrong hands they can cause real misery. DWFRS are asking us to stick to the Firework code:

• Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable, and ensure it finishes before 11pm

• Only buy fireworks which carry the CE mark, keep them in a closed box and use them one at a time.

• Read and follow the instructions on each firework, using a torch if necessary.

• Light the firework at arm's length with a taper and stand well back.

• Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks.

• Never return to a firework once it has been lit.

• Don't put fireworks in pockets and never throw them.

• Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators.

• Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire.

• Make sure that the fire is out, and surroundings are made safe, before leaving.

The fire service has joined up with other blue light agencies like the South Western Ambulance and Dorset Police to urge us to limit the pressure.

A South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) spokesperson said:

“We would encourage everyone to stay safe this bonfire and fireworks season, and to prevent injuries by following the Firework Code. If someone does suffer a burn, get it treated as soon as possible to limit the damage to their skin.”

• Cool the burn with cool or lukewarm running water for 20 minutes immediately after the injury is sustained, then cover the burn with clingfilm or a clean plastic bag.

• Give the person paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce their pain.

• Take them to a hospital accident and emergency (A&E) department for large burns, or burns that cause white charred or blistered skin.

Call NHS 111 for advice if you don’t know what to do, or call 999 for an ambulance if they are seriously injured or their life may be at risk.

Fireworks can also frighten people and animals. If you're planning to let off fireworks it might be neighbourly to tell the people next door and close by.

You must not set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, except for Bonfire Night itself, when the cut off is midnight.

T/Superintendent Heather Dixey from Dorset Police said:

“Please respect the ‘rule of six’ on bonfire night this year. Meeting in a group of more than six people, indoors or outdoors including children of any age, is against the law.

“We know that fireworks can be great fun, but please remember that you must be over 18 to purchase fireworks and that it is illegal to set off or throw fireworks - including sparklers - in the street or other public places.

“You can be fined up to £5,000 and imprisoned for up to six months for selling or using fireworks illegally, and there’s also an on-the-spot fine of £90.”

Fireworks can also cause a great deal of distress to animals. In a recent survey, 62% of dog owners reported their pets showing signs of distress during fireworks season, with 54% of cat owners experiencing the same.

The RSPCA’s ‘Bang Out Of Order’ campaign encourages the responsible use of fireworks and the adoption of tighter regulations concerning their use.