Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 25/10/2006 10:09

“Fireworks are dangerous and can be lethal” is the message from Community Safety Officers at Cornwall County Fire Brigade

The utmost care is necessary in their storage, handling and use, whether you are organising a display for the family, friends or the general public. Cornwall County Fire Brigade want you to stay safe - by following some simple do’s and don’ts risks can be greatly reduced.

DO’S and DON’TS
• Keep fireworks in a closed metal box and take them out one at a time.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on each firework. Read them by torchlight – NEVER a naked flame.
• Light fireworks at arm’s length using a safety firework lighter or fuse wick.
• Stand back after lighting.
• NEVER go back to a firework once lit – it may go off in your face.
• Keep a bucket of water handy.
• Used fireworks should be collected after the display with care. Douse with water, bury or place in a metal container.
• Keep children under control. (See BONFIRES below)
• Keep pets indoors.

BONFIRES
Bonfires present additional hazards when it’s dark.
DO’S AND DON’TS
If you must light a bonfire, in connection with a fireworks display, then:
• Site well away from houses, garages, sheds, fences, overhead cables, trees and shrubs AND ALWAYS AWAY FROM FIREWORKS.
• Before lighting the fire check that no pets or children are hiding inside it.
• Build the stack so that it is stable and will not collapse outwards or to one side.
• NEVER use flammable liquids – paraffin or petrol – to light the fire.
• Don’t burn foam-filled furniture, aerosols, and tins of paint or bottles.
• Keep everyone away from the fire – especially children, who must be supervised all the time.
• For an emergency keep buckets of water, the garden hose or a fire extinguisher ready.
• Pour water on the embers before leaving.

“The Brigade does not want to discourage people from enjoying fireworks on or around November 5th, but advise that you should go to an organised display” said Davinia Grist, Public Relations Officer

A partnership between Cornwall County Fire Brigade, the District Councils, Trading Standards and Devon and Cornwall Constabulary introduced a voluntary bonfire and firework display registration scheme earlier this year.

The partnership, entitled ‘Cornwall Firework Advisory Partnership’, offers a free registration scheme for firework event organisers. Under this new scheme organisers receive a free safety advice in an information pack.
The scheme also provides advice on the safe management of bonfires.

“Fireworks are fun, but have the potential to cause harm. It is vitally important to follow the firework code to ensure events run safely” said Community Safety Officer Tony Penrose.

He cont: “Anyone having a private party should follow the firework code, plan properly and not set off fireworks after drinking alcohol”

If you would like some free safety advice about bonfire or firework displays or would like to register for the scheme contact your district council or Cornwall County Fire Brigade on 01872 273117.

Falmouth Firefighters are holding their annual firework display at Falmouth Cricket Ground, Trescobeas Road, Falmouth on Sunday 5 November. The evening starts at 6pm and costs £3.00 per adult and £2.00 per child. The evening entertainment includes a live band, explosive chip pan demonstration, food, a bar and fireworks with all the proceedings going to the Fire Service National Benevolent Fund and other local charities.