"Have Fun but Stay Safe" with Fireworks

"Have fun but stay safe" is the message from Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) as the firework and bonfire season draws closer. Last November KFRS saw a 59 per cent increase in attendance to fires caused by fireworks compared to the previous year, and nearly double the amount of bonfire incidents.

In a bid to reverse this trend and to help prevent firework and bonfire-related fires and injuries, KFRS is urging the people of Kent and Medway to take extra care this year to keep you and your family safe.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service would also like to remind the public all fireworks should be purchased from reputable suppliers only and that under the provisions of the Fireworks Regulations 2004 it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to possess fireworks in a public place.

Head of Community Safety Stuart Skilton said:

"Bonfire and firework season should be an enjoyable time of year but sometimes it can end in someone either being injured or property damaged.

People should bear in mind that a simple sparkler can burn up to a temperature of 2000 degrees centigrade, so they should NEVER been given to a child under the age of five. Always treat fireworks with care and respect and when holding a bonfire event, follow the simple tips provided. These should help ensure that lives remain safe and property intact."

Always follow 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 has not been lit.
• Even if it doesn't go 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.

It is illegal to set fireworks off between 11pm and 7am except in the following cases:

• 5 November - until midnight
• Diwali (28 October) 1am on the following day
• New Year's Eve - 1am on the following day
• Chinese New Year - 1am on the following day

Take care with bonfires:

• A bonfire should be positioned well away from any buildings, sheds and overhanging branches.
• A bonfire should not be lit before any firework display unless the firework display is sufficiently far away to ensure stray sparks from the bonfire cannot fall into the firework area.
• A bonfire should not contain any potentially hazardous materials which may explode or give off toxic fumes, such as; aerosols, batteries, bottles, foam-filled furniture or tins of paint
• A bonfire should be kept to a manageable size and evenly built so that is collapses inwards as it burns.
• Always check the bonfire's construction is still sound prior to lighting it, that there are no children or animals inside, and that hazardous items such as aerosols and fireworks have not been thrown onto it.
• The bonfire should not be lit by children or left unattended and nothing should be cooked on it.
• Flammable liquids such as petrol, diesel, methylated spirits or white spirit should NEVER be poured onto the bonfire to light or revive it.
• Enjoy your fireworks event!

Fire safety advice is free and easily obtainable from Kent Fire & Rescue Service. If you would like any advice or information, please contact your local fire station or the Community Safety Team on 01622 698360. Alternatively visit www.kent.fire-uk.org or the DBERR fireworks website www.berr.gov.uk/fireworks.