SAFETY information for both Bonfire Night and Covid-19 have been issued ahead of this year’s November 5th celebrations.
It comes as statistics show in the last ten years, HWFRS has attended more than 250 incidents on November 5.
These included nearly 80 fires, over 100 false alarms and over 40 non-fire incidents needing help.
The busiest stations for call-outs were Wyre Forest, Worcester, Hereford, Bromsgrove and Redditch.
Station Commander Steve Andrews of the HWFRS Community Risk department said: “We would normally encourage people to go to an organised event but that isn’t possible this year.
“We’re suggesting people give it a miss this year but if you’re holding your own bonfire parties and get-togethers, we want to remind you of some simple firework and bonfire safety tips to help avoid injury or any damage to your property.
“We want everyone to enjoy their firework celebrations safely and without causing inconvenience to others, so please remember these top tips for an enjoyable and accident-free evening.”
With many events cancelled across the county and country more home events, including fires and fireworks, are expected.
Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service has issued advice about bonfires and fireworks.
Bonfires
When it comes to having bonfires, people should make sure their garden is big enough to have a bonfire and not light one if in doubt.
Flammable liquids should never be used and there should always be sufficient space around bonfires – away from buildings, garden sheds, fences, hedges and overhanging branches.
Fires should be evenly built so they collapse inwards as they burn and kept to a manageable size.
The construction should be checked to see if it is sound and that there are no animals or children hiding inside.
Objects such as aerosols or fireworks should not be thrown onto the bonfire.
Bonfires should be lit after the firework display unless sufficiently away so small sparks do not come into contact with fireworks.
Dangerous items, such as aerosol cans and paint tins, foam furniture or batteries should not be burnt as they could explode.
Bonfires should not be left unattended, an adult should be in charge and a hose or bucket of water should be nearby in case action is needed.
Before the event is ended, make sure the fire is completely out and damped down with water.
Firework safety
Firework displays should be planned carefully to ensure they are safe and enjoyable.
Only fireworks marked with the British Standard Kitemark BS 7114 should be bought and then from a reputable supplier
Don’t drink alcohol if you’re setting off fireworks – they don’t mix.
Keep fireworks in a closed metal box and take them out one at a time and always follow the instructions on the box carefully. Read them in daylight or by torchlight, never by a naked flame.
Light fireworks at arm’s length with a taper and stand well back.
Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks.
Never go back to fireworks once they are lit – they might still go off or even explode.
Never throw fireworks and don’t put them in your pocket.
Always supervise children around fireworks and never give sparklers to children under five.
Put fireworks in a bucket of water after use – they’ll still be hot.
Respect your neighbours – don’t let off fireworks late at night.
Keep all pets indoors all evening with the curtains closed.
Click here for more safety information.
Covid-19 regulations for holding events
Families are being reminded to enjoy Bonfire Night safely this year – with Covid measures in place.
Larger, organised bonfires and firework displays won’t be going ahead this year due to rules over mass gatherings. It means many families will be holding celebrations at home in their gardens.
For people who are, these celebrations need to be in line with Covid-19 restrictions.
Only meet in groups of six.
For those people meeting someone from another household, they need to socially distance at all times.
Coun John Smith, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Health and Wellbeing said: “Let’s keep our community safe this Bonfire Night and enjoy our celebrations responsibly at home. Although we are all having to celebrate at home this year, do think twice about setting fireworks off at home.
“If you do use fireworks at home, please do so safely.”
