Northants Fire & Rescue issue advice
Although bonfire related fires are low, out of control fire can be devastating
While the number of bonfire and firework related fires Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue attend remains low, the service says out of control fires can still be devastating.
Tina Collett, Prevention Team Leader at Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue Service, said:
“We would always recommend going to an official firework display, but if you are planning to have fireworks or a bonfire at home during this period, please follow safety advice and take care.
"Fireworks can be fun and beautiful, but they can also cause devastating injuries to people and damage to property if they are used in the wrong way. Please also be mindful of others and pets, as this time can be unsettling for some.
"If your own bonfire begins to get out of control, or you see any unattended fires and anti-social behaviour surrounding fire and fireworks, please call 999.”
Further advice is being shared around lighting a bonfire, and on the use of sparklers. Of this, officers say:
"Sparklers can reach temperatures of 100°C, so stay safe by ensuring you always wear gloves, preferably leather ones. Supervise children with sparklers and don’t give one to children under the age of five. Hold sparklers at an arm’s length, and don’t wave them near other people. Put used sparklers into a bucket of sand or water.
"Bonfires are a hazard at any time of the year. If you plan to have a bonfire, make sure you build them well away from houses, garages, sheds, fences, overhead cables, trees and shrubs. Never use flammable liquids to light the fire such as paraffin or petrol, and don’t burn furniture, aerosols or bottles. Never leave a bonfire unsupervised – especially around children. Pour water on embers before leaving.
"Before lighting a bonfire, always check the structure is sound and there are no small children or animals hiding inside. And always have a bucket of water, garden hose or fire extinguisher ready and on standby, and never drink alcohol when in charge of a bonfire or fireworks display."
In the last three years Northants Fire and Rescue has attended a total of 22 fires on bonfire night and 7 fires caused by fireworks.