Suffolk Fire and Rescue issues safety advice ahead of Bonfire Night
The fire service is urging people to attend an organised display and keep fireworks outside
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to stay safe this Bonfire Night by taking simple precautions to avoid accidents and fires.
Group Manager Lee Wilkins, who leads the service’s prevention department, said their teams are stepping up safety education and sharing advice in schools and communities to help reduce risks.
“Bonfire Night is great fun, and we want everyone to enjoy, but safely,” he said.
Mr Wilkins also warned against using naked flames.
“If you’re lighting candles in or around the home, make sure they’re placed away from curtains and where they can’t be knocked over,” he said. “LED lights are a much safer alternative and look just as effective.”
Suffolk Fire and Rescue’s prevention work includes its new SPARK education programme, which teaches fire safety in schools, and home fire safety visits for those most at risk.
Mr Wilkins said the focus this year is on education and prevention to keep incidents to a minimum.
“Firefighters will always respond when needed, but our aim is to stop fires from happening in the first place,” he said. “Accidents can happen even with the best intentions, so it’s about making sure safety messages reach as many people as possible.” Other advice includes never returning to a lit firework or throw them into bonfire, standing well back from displays and not giving sparklers to children under five.