As the 5th of November approaches, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) are joining forces with their partners to discourage the practice of building illegal ‘backyard’ bonfires, whilst urging residents to be vigilant and report any suspected bonfires.
CDDFRS have launched the #BetterBonfire campaign on social media in partnership with Durham County Council, Darlington Borough Council and Durham Constabulary to ensure the public are aware of the dangers of bonfires and fireworks which includes, the firework code, safe use of sparklers, keeping your furry friends safe indoors and illegal bonfire reporting.
Lee Aspery, Community Safety and Arson Reduction Manager at CDDFRS, said: “We want everyone to have a great but safe Bonfire Night!
“Backyard bonfires are often fires without proper controls and/or safety measures making them extremely dangerous. In addition, they are a huge environmental hazard, causing environmental damage, air pollution and can be a nuisance for local residents.
“The smartest way to stay safe this bonfire season would be to attend an organised fireworks display and report any potentially hazardous bonfires to your local council.”
Bonfires and Fireworks can seriously injure and scar people for life if they are not treated responsibly. It is important Fireworks meet BS 7114 standard and have the new UKCA mark on the side of the packaging. CDDFRS are advising those who are planning to have fireworks at home, to follow the Firework Code.
There are 9 steps to staying safe using The Firework Code:
- If your garden length is less than 8m from your house, (or other homes or structures), consider attending an organised display.
- Only buy fireworks which carry the CE or UKCA mark from a recognised reputable retailer.
- Read and follow the instructions on each firework using a torch if necessary.
- Keep your fireworks in a closed box and use them one at a time.
- Have an adult light the fireworks at arm's length using a taper and stand well back.
- Never return to a firework once it has been lit.
- Never keep fireworks in pockets and never throw them.
- Rockets should be launched using the provided tube into clear over head space and well away from spectators.
- Only adults should handle and light fireworks, (avoid drinking alcohol until after the fireworks are done).
Remember alcohol and fireworks don’t mix; one person should be responsible for lighting the fireworks.
Sparklers can reach temperatures of up to 2000 degrees celsius so please supervise children ensuring they are wearing gloves, light sparklers one at a time and put used sparklers hot end down into a bucket of water. Never give children under 5 sparklers.
If a firework fails to go off, leave it for at least 30 minutes and then place it in a bucket of water. Use something heavy like a brick to keep it in the water. Leave for a minimum of 24 hours and then place the wet firework in a plastic bin bag and tie the bag closed. Do not dry the firework out or take it out of the bag, they need to stay wet. They can now be disposed of in a normal bin.
Most animals get very scared by the lights and noise from fireworks so keep your furry friends safe indoors.
Lee Aspery added: “By following this important advice and remembering the Firework Code, we hope that everyone can enjoy a #BetterBonfire this year and every year.”
Owen Cleugh, Durham County Council’s safer places manager, said: “While we want everyone to enjoy the Bonfire Night festivities, we are urging people to stay safe by only attending official public firework displays.
“If you do decide to use your own fireworks, please make sure you only buy from licensed sellers and that all safety precautions are followed including separation distance.
“To help keep our communities safe, please report if you see an illegal bonfire being built and we will organise for it to be dismantled. To find out more visit www.durham.gov.uk/fireworks”
Superintendent Neal Bickford, of Durham Constabulary said, “We want to remind people that you must be over 18 to purchase fireworks and that it is illegal to set off or throw fireworks (including sparklers) in the street or other public places.
“You can be fined up to £5,000 and imprisoned for up to 6 months for selling or using fireworks illegally. You could also get an on-the-spot fine of £90”
For details of organised firework displays in County Durham visit:
For information about the rules around organising a display in Darlington and whether you need a licence visit:
https://www.darlington.gov.uk/your-council/events/fireworks-and-bonfire-displays/
To report an illegal bonfire in the Darlington area call customer services on 01325 405111 or email customerservices@darlington.gov.uk during normal office hours, or call the emergency out of hours number on 07966 347101. Details of how to report anti-social behaviour can be found at www.darlington.gov.uk/asb
You can also report incidents of arson anonymously to Firestoppers on 0800 169 5558 or report online by visiting www.firestoppersreport.co.uk
