Community organisers have been urged to get in touch with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service if they are planning to light a beacon to mark The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Thousands of beacons are expected to light up the night sky on Thursday 2nd June, kick-starting a weekend of celebrations across the nation to commemorate the 70th year of Her Majesty’s reign.
If you are planning to light a beacon it’s important that you let the fire service know as soon as possible.
Dan Tasker, Assistant Director of Operations at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, says:
“We know that many people across our communities will be celebrating Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. It promises to be a great and memorable occasion and we want everyone to have fun.
“Registering your beacon with us in advance is easy and will allow our Control operators to understand where fires are being lit in our area, helping to make sure genuine beacons are not mistaken for uncontrolled bonfires.”
If you are involved in a beacon lighting event, let fire control know as soon as possible. You can call 023 8064 4000 or use the contact us form at www.hantsfire.gov.uk/contact-us/. You should inform the fire service of the exact location of your beacon, plus the name and phone number of the organiser.
A detailed event guide can be downloaded by anyone planning to light a beacon at www.queensjubileebeacons.com.
Beacons will be lit at 9.45pm, although come may be lit earlier – such at the one at Culver Down.
Keeping safe around beacons:
- Ensure the structure and base of your beacon is sturdy and is in a good location, away from any fences, trees, buildings, or other structures
- Do not burn plastics or metals
- Do not use flammable liquids such as paraffin or petrol to light your fire
- Do not light the beacon in very high winds
- Make sure children and pets are kept away from the beacon and are always supervised
- Keep buckets of water nearby for emergencies
- Never leave your beacon unattended
- Remember, embers will stay hot for a long time after the flames have gone out or been extinguished.
- If you think the fire has got out of control, dial 999 and ask for the fire and rescue service immediately. Using What3Words can help pinpoint locations quicker.
If you’re lighting fireworks:
- Light fireworks at arm’s length and always follow the instructions
- Never go back to a lit firework – even if it hasn’t gone off, it could still explode
- Make sure everyone stands well back and pets are kept indoors
Is there a beacon on st Boniface down ,as it’s a highest point and probably most southern
“Using What3Words can help pinpoint locations quicker.”
Using What3Words will guarantee no-one has a clue where you are.