Wiltshire residents asked to "show some respect" this Bonfire Night
There's a plea from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Last updated 5th Nov 2020
People in Wiltshire are being asked to be safe, be sensible and show some respect this Bonfire Night.
The county's fire service are concerned that extra pressure could be put onto emergency services this year because more people are celebrating at home.
Due to the pandemic, lots of public events have been cancelled.
As people light up fireworks and sparklers, DWFRS want us to be careful.
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.”
SAFETY ADVICE
The fire service are asking us to stick to the Firework code to make sure we're doing it safely:
- 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
STAYING SAFE
The fire service has also joined up with other blue light agencies like South Western Ambulance and Wiltshire Police to urge us to limit the pressure.
They've told us what to do if someone suffers a burn:
- 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.
Anyone who is injured by a firework should 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.