Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

n/a at 28/10/2002 14:41

Cornwall County Fire Brigade is again warning of the dangers of fireworks and supporting the Department of Trade and Industry’s Campaign to highlight that ‘fireworks are explosives, get wise or get hurt’.

The total number of people treated at hospital accident and emergency departments in Great Britain during the 2001 autumn fireworks season was 1362, a rise of 40% on 2000’s total of 972.

“The key messages about the dangers of fireworks must reach those most likely to misuse fireworks or be injured by them. This means that the messages must get to 11-17 year olds, especially boys, where there was an increase of over 55% in injuries.”
Said Fire Safety Sub-Officer Stewart Whitworth

He cont: “Much of this was the result of anti-social behaviour as incidents in the street were up by 60%. If people follow the firework code and shopkeepers adhere to the law and DON’T sell to under 18’s these injuries could be stopped from happening”

The Brigade is not discouraging people from enjoying fireworks on or around the 5th of November, but advising that you should go to an organised display.

Anyone holding a Firework Display should make sure they have considered the following points:
- Plan ahead by sharing the load
- Contact the right people such as the Fire Brigade and Police
- Be prepared: store fireworks securely
- Pick the right location: a large, clear and well mown area free from obstructions and well away from buildings, cables etc
- Safe car parking is essential
- Keep everything in control: crowd control is vital
- Experience counts: recruit people with previous knowledge of holding firework displays
- Plan the bonfire – they can be a hazard
- After the event make sure you clear up safely


Linda Ficker, Head of Cornea Services, Moorfields Eye Hospital added:
“Eye injuries from fireworks commonly cause damage to the cornea resulting in ocular surface burns, penetrating injuries with chronic inflammation and an increase risk of cataract and retinal detachment.
“These injuries can cause temporary loss of vision and may lead to a permanent reduction of loss of sight. Therefore prevention is critical and following the fireworks code is essential”
The Firework 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 had 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 a child under five
- Keep pets indoors


“Last year just over half of all injuries happened to children under the age of sixteen. That’s a lot of kids who may have ugly burn scars for life. Don’t be scarred for life, be safe and follow the code”
said Fire Safety Sub-Officer Stewart Whitworth

Related item: http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/fire/fsafety/fs01n.htm