Essex Fire service urges residents to be cautious ahead of Bonfire night celebrations
They generally respond to more fire incidents at the this time of the year than usual
Ahead of Bonfire night celebrations, Essex Fire and Rescue service are calling on residents to be cautious when using fireworks.
Kim Polley is watch manager at the service. He says, "Please remember fireworks are explosive and they pose a real risk to safety when used incorrectly. In and avoid Bonfire night we see an increase in fire incidents, especially at domestic parties".
To avoid these risks, he recommends that people attend public fireworks displays instead of doing it at home. For those who will be celebrating privately he has the following advice: " If you do choose to have a display at home, please read and familiarise yourself with the fireworks code before setting it up".
"Most important is that you always read the instructions before you use firecrackers. Don't go back to a lit firecracker that hasn't gone off. Also, keep a bucket of water or sand, on-hand to dispose off used sparklers and in cases of emergencies", he adds.
Those hosting displays privately are also encouraged to inform their neighbours in advance. He says, " Fireworks are loud and can disturb or frighten people and their pets, so let your neighbours know if you're planning on using them",.
There have also been an increase in incidents that the fire service have responded to in the last week. Mr Polley says, "Over Halloween weekend our crews were called to a number of incidents where fireworks were misused or used in an anti-social manner. On some occasions they have been set off to cause disturbances in recreational parks, car parks and residential areas".
" In one incident, fireworks were set off near refuse next to a building. Crews had to extinguish the fire before it spread to the building. There was another serious occasion where a firework was posted through a letterbox in a family home in Harlow but thankfully no one was injured", he adds.