How to stay safe this Bonfire Night

Remember remember the 5th of November…

Bonfire night is upon us with celebrations, bonfires, and firework displays set to take place across the city this weekend.

To help keep everyone safe this bonfire night, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service are urging local people to attend organised displays rather than holding their own at home.

Ian Hopkins, Prevention Delivery Manager, said: “We fully understand that there may be a higher level of excitement for Bonfire Night than usual, as people look forward to fireworks for the first time in many months, having missed out last year due to the pandemic.

“We just ask everyone to Be Smart, Be Safe and Be Sensible, and leave it to the experts by going to one of the many organised displays being held locally.

“Watching fireworks at a secured site, behind a safety cordon, is the best way to celebrate safely and avoid injury – plus many such events also raise money for the local community or charities“.

If you do have a home display, remember that only adults should deal with setting up, lighting and disposing safely of fireworks.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service ask that people doing a home display follow the Fireworks Code:

• Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable, and check the time you can legally set off fireworks.
• Only buy fireworks which carry the CE or UKCA marks, 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.

Mr Hopkins said: “It’s vital to remember that fireworks are explosives and can be extremely dangerous when not handled properly. Wherever you’re watching fireworks this year, please:

• Think, don’t drink – alcohol and fireworks do not mix;
• Stay alert – always supervise children around fireworks;
• Stand back – keep behind safety cordons in the appropriate area; and
• Four–legged friends – keep pets indoors.”

Any issues such as anti-social behaviour can be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

More advice can be found Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service website.