Members of the public are being urged to follow the firework code this bonfire season after firefighters responded to a significant rise in incidents during last year’s celebrations across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) attended 112 incidents between 1st and 8th November 2024 – a 62% increase on the 69 incidents recorded in 2023.
As Bonfire Night approaches, HIWFRS is encouraging residents to attend organised firework displays, which are considered the safest way to enjoy the festivities. Those planning to host their own events are being reminded to prioritise safety and take precautions to prevent accidents and injuries.
Fireworks should be kept away from children and pets, stored in a cool dry place, and only purchased from licensed sellers. When using fireworks, the fire service advises lighting them at arm’s length, standing well back, and never returning to a lit firework. Naked flames, including cigarettes, should be kept away at all times.
For those holding bonfires, the advice is to build them well away from buildings, fences, and trees. Flammable liquids such as petrol or paraffin should never be used to start fires. A bucket of water or hose should be kept nearby, and fires should never be left unattended.
HIWFRS is also warning against underestimating the danger of sparklers, which can reach temperatures up to 20 times the boiling point of water. Sparklers should not be given to children under five, and used ones should be disposed of in a bucket of cold water.
In the event of burns, the public is advised to follow the “Cool, Call, Cover” method – cool the burn under running water for 20 minutes, call 999 if necessary, and cover the area with cling film to prevent infection.
The fire service is also reminding the public of the law surrounding fireworks. It is illegal to:
- Set off fireworks between 23:00 and 07:00 (except on Bonfire Night when the cut-off is midnight)
- Cause unnecessary suffering to animals using fireworks
- Set off or throw fireworks in the street or other public places
- Possess category 4 ‘display’ fireworks as a member of the public
- Store fireworks for private use for more than 14 days
More fire safety guidance is available at www.hantsfire.gov.uk.
Has anyone got any quiet pretty fireworks rather the loud frightening ones?
There are lots that go “Poof” these days
Fireworks shouldn’t be sold to the public,
fireworks should only be used at organised
events for safety.
J.S
I feel very sorry for you, You must of had a very sad restricted life