Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service issue safety message ahead of Bonfire Night
There are a reduced number of organised displays because of Covid
Last updated 4th Nov 2021
Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service has issued a safety message ahead of Boinfire Night on Friday.
Although some organised displays are going ahead across the county, the number is significantly less than normal due to Covid.
The service is encouraging people who are having bonfires and fireworks at home to make sure they take safety precautions.
How can you stay safe on Bonfire Night?
- Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable, and check the time you can legally set off fireworks
- Only buy fireworks which carry the CE or UKCA marks, 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.
Donna Potts, Fire Prevention Manager at Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "If people are havin fireworks at home with their family and friends we think the majority of people to make sure tehy stay safe.
"But we would always enocurage people to go to an organised display if at all possible as we know that there will be some sort of emergency cover there and the right distance will be kept because there weill be barriers.
"We really want people to enjoy themselves on Bonfire Night but just ask that they do it safely and securely.
"If anyone, or a child for that matter, was to get hurt or burned, the effects of that could be very long-lasting."