Households in Suffolk urged to buy fireworks from reputable retailers ahead of New Year celebrations
Suffolk's Fire and Rescue Service is encouraging people to go to a licenced, organised event where possible
As the countdown to the New Year continues, there's a reminder to households in Suffolk to celebrate safely.
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service says it typically sees an increase in callouts over the New Year period and is now working with Suffolk Police to crackdown on other things like drink and drug driving.
Households that are planning to celebrate the end of 2024 with a bonfire are being urged to do so with extra care - or go to a licenced and organised event where possible.
Lee Wilkins from the fire service told us: "Go to a licenced kind of event where somebody else has taken the responsibility of purchasing the fireworks themselves, they will have a licence.
"These people should have a good degree of training or responsibility around running the event. It's a lot safer and a lot simpler."
Lee has this advice for those wanting to host firework displays at home: "Buy them from licenced suppliers, make sure they've got the appropriate standard marking on them.
"Don't be don't be caught up in trying to buy things on the cheap or under the counter. Make sure you're buying it from a reputable provider that adheres to the appropriate standards.
"Make all reasonable precautionary measures to make sure you keep yourself, your family and your neighbours as safe as possible.
"You should also do it in a responsible manner and a considerate manner so that you're not disturbing your neighbour's pets.
"Make sure you're not lighting fireworks or a bonfire near flammable materials, such as oil tanks, sheds, fencing.
"When it comes to bonfires, try to have a common sense approach to it and also consider what you're burning on there, and how you ignite it."