'Stay home and stay safe on Bonfire Night' says Humberside Fire Service

Humberside Fire and Rescue Service is urging the public not to have a bonfire or fireworks at home tonight.

It says crews are usually stretched at this time of year and attending small fires in gardens or on public land can tie up resources when they may be needed elsewhere for life threatening incidents.

It says any injuries caused by fireworks or bonfires will also impact frontline health services across the region at a time when they are stretched dealing with Covid-19 related patients.

Group Manager Steve Duffield explained how 2020 will be different to previous years:

"This has been an unprecedented year in so many ways. It is usually a great time to attend a spectacular public display with family and friends, but Covid has sadly put paid to these events.

"Bonfire Night also now falls just as we are moving into lockdown, so the opportunities to attend parties at friends or neighbours have also been removed. We would therefore urge the public to be sensible and, if they are planning on a small family celebration at home, to follow all Covid related guidelines on social distancing and not mixing households and follow our safety tips.

"Please don't make Bonfire Night memorable for all the wrong reasons."

Humberside Fire and Rescue Bonfire advice:

• Keep everyone at a safe distance from anything burning

• Always have anything burning on a safe surface away from the house, fences, sheds or trees etc.

• Always check bonfires for nesting animals and other wildlife before lighting

• Whoever is supervising the fire should not drink alcohol

• Never leave bonfires unattended

• Always have water or sand handy in case the fire becomes large

• If the fire becomes out of control, call 999 immediately. Do not try to tackle it yourself

Bonfire guidelines:

• Only burn dry materials

• Never burn household rubbish, rubber tyres, or anything containing plastic, foam or paint

• Items such as these should be taken to a council run waste facility

• Never use highly flammable liquids to light bonfires

• Never put aerosols or pressurised containers on a bonfire

Fireworks:

• Keep everyone at a safe distance during celebrations

• If your clothes do catch fire STOP, DROP and ROLL

• Never leave fireworks unattended

• Keep fireworks in a metal box with a lid

• Use a torch to read instructions – never a candle or lighter!

• Use a taper to light fireworks

• Never go back to a firework once it has been lit

• Keep pets inside during bonfire and firework celebrations

• If using sparklers, always wear gloves

Fireworks campaign The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) wants to raise the public’s awareness that if enjoying fireworks this year, they do so safely and responsibly.

With no public displays to attend due to Covid-19, the OPSS want to promote the considerate use of fireworks, by encouraging individuals to inform their neighbours that they intend to use fireworks and by reiterating the curfew times. They also want to reaffirm to fireworks retailers their responsibilities in keeping consumers safe.

Some of the most powerful fireworks on the market require a 25 metre cordon. These are NOT appropriate to set off safely in smaller gardens or back yards.

Key messages:

• Enjoy fireworks safely and responsibly

• Consider whether your garden or outdoor space is an appropriate size

• Don't let off fireworks close to sheds, shrubs or the property itself

• Have a bucket of water on hand in case the worst should happen

• If you choose to buy and use your own, always follow the instructions on the box

• Store fireworks in their original packaging

• Keep fireworks dry

• Keep away from children and pets and from sources of heat or ignition

• Don’t let children handle fireworks or help out when using

• Never throw fireworks at home or in a public place - they are explosives

• Always buy from legitimate and licensed sellers and never from social media sites

• Check fireworks are CE marked before purchasing

• Respect cordon advice which is appropriate for each type of firework

• Retailers must store fireworks safely and never sell fireworks to under 18s

• Check the category is suitable for your circumstances (category info can be found on the label)

• Be considerate to neighbours

• Stick to traditional celebration dates and curfew hours

• Adhere to current government guidelines on social distancing and mixing households

• Keep pets and vulnerable people safe and protect wildlife

• Dispose of used fireworks safely