Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 21/10/2011 08:44

A firework safety campaign which launched in Bodmin has been rolled out to the rest of Cornwall. Devon and Cornwall Police and Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service are working together to encourage everyone to enjoy bonfire night responsibly.

On November 5 2009 Mary Fox was tragically killed after a lit firework was thrown through the letterbox of her Bodmin home. Three local youths were jailed for the crime.

The local policing team and fire crew set about working with other agencies and volunteer groups to prevent any similar incidents ever happening again. Mary Fox’s daughters were an integral part of the team and helped to develop the messages which were delivered to schools, retailers and local organisations in the build up to bonfire night 2010.

Sergeant Jared Connop of Devon and Cornwall Police told us about the results: “Our efforts quickly evolved into a multi-agency intervention and by working together the campaign was a real success. Not only did we see a general reduction in anti-social behaviour but there were no reports of firework related anti-social behaviour and no reports of injuries caused by firework misuse”.

The campaign goes countywide for 2011 and one important element is the Safe Sell Safe Use retailer scheme. All local retailers are signed up to making sure that fireworks are only sold to over 18s and that customers are advised on safe use. The key messages are promoted throughout stores and on every box of fireworks sold.

Neighbourhood Action Days will take place in the build up to bonfire night. Young people will tidy up their neighbourhoods and remove all flammable rubbish in return for tickets to an organised display.

Neighbourhood Action Days will be held at
Bodmin (Berryfields): Monday 24 October, 2pm-6pm Falmouth (Old Hill): Tuesday 25 October, 2pm-6pm St. Austell (Penrice Parc): Thursday 27 October, 2pm-6pm Camborne (East Pool Park): Friday 28 October, 2pm-6pm Newquay (Mayfield): Tuesday 1 November, 2pm-6pm Penzance (Gwarvas): Wednesday 2 November, 2pm-6pm Truro (Trelander): Thursday 3 November, 2pm-6pm

Crew Manager Mark Pratten of Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service said:“Organised firework displays are the safest way to enjoy bonfire night. Check your local media for events nearby so that you can enjoy the impressive displays without putting your family at risk.

“If you are organising your own display, then only buy fireworks from a Safe Sell Safe Use retailer and follow the firework code. Each year hundreds of children are scarred for life because parents underestimate the danger of fireworks. A rocket can reach 150 miles an hour and even a sparkler gets five times hotter than boiling cooking oil.”

Mark is also concerned about fire risks within the home: “Mary Fox was a hoarder. Newspapers and boxes were stacked throughout her house. A fire will burn faster and more ferociously in an environment like this so we urge everyone to consider the risks in their own home and those of friends and families. You can contact your local fire station for a free fire safety check.”

The partners want to make it clear that fire safety is everybody’s responsibility and Sergeant Connop has a particular warning for young people and parents: “It is an offence for anyone under the age of 18 to buy fireworks or have them in their possession in a public place. Fireworks will be confiscated from anyone under 18.

“High visibility patrols will take place in the run up to and on bonfire night and anyone acting anti-socially or causing criminal damage may face an on-the-spot fine, arrest or criminal record. We will not tolerate anti-social behaviour at any time of the year.”

Chief Superintendent Chris Boarland, Policing Commander for Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, said: “Devon and Cornwall Police are committed to keeping the people of Cornwall safe. If we can stop the illegal sale and use of fireworks then we can ensure that our communities enjoy a safe and happy bonfire night. The support from our partners, and in particular Mary’s daughters, has been invaluable. We hope that by continuing to work together we can repeat last year’s success right across the county.”

Chief Fire Officer Des Tidbury agrees: “This campaign is an excellent example of the strong partnership work that happens throughout Cornwall all year round. We all have a role to play in meeting the challenges our communities face and by working together we can deliver more effective and long lasting solutions than working alone. This is all about working together for a better, safer Cornwall.”

Cornwall Council portfolio holder for community safety and public protection Lance Kennedy says: “The reality and human cost of the dangers around the criminal misuse of fireworks are still raw in my own town of Bodmin. We will not forget the horror of what happened to Mrs Fox and I support all the efforts being made to hammer home the message that people should be responsible for themselves and for their community. The joined up work being done by Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service and other Council services in partnership with Devon and Cornwall Police and all the other organisations involved show how seriously we all take this message.”

Mary Fox’s daughters have had their lives irrevocably changed by fireworks misuse and hope that no other family has to go through what they have. Together they urge the people of Cornwall to be responsible this bonfire night:

“Be responsible for your own actions and think about others. Think about where your children are going to be and be responsible for them. Please consider the consequences and then enjoy bonfire night safely together.”
For more information on keeping safe go to the Cornwall Fire and Rescue pages.

To report misuse of fireworks call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or contact Devon and Cornwall police on 101 for non-emergency calls.
In an emergency always call 999.

The Fireworks Safety Code
Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114. Don't drink alcohol if setting off fireworks. Keep fireworks in a closed box. Follow the instructions on each firework. Light them at arm's length, using a taper. Stand well back. Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it hasn't gone off, it could still explode. Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them. Always supervise children around fireworks. Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves. Never give sparklers to children under five. Keep pets indoors. Don't set off noisy fireworks late at night and never after 11pm.