Bonfire Night is just around the corner. With many public events back on this year, the best advice would be to attend one of those and not to have a bonfire or fireworks at home at all.
However, if you are planning to have any outdoor celebrations, Humberside Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) is urging the public to be sensible and reduce the strain on its crews and colleagues in the health service.
HFRS Head of Public Safety, Steve Duffield is urging the public to support local organised displays:
"This has been an unprecedented 18 months in so many ways. After all displays were cancelled in 2020 due to Covid restrictions, this year is a great opportunity to attend an organised public display with family and friends once again. They are generally more spectacular, better value and much safer than attempting to build bonfires and set off fireworks in enclosed spaces at home close to tress and houses.
"Many of our call-outs over recent years have been to bonfires spreading to sheds, fences, trees and shrubs which can then endanger the home itself and its occupants. Please don't make Bonfire Night memorable for all the wrong reasons."
Follow these simple tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable evening:
Bonfires
• Keep everyone at a safe distance from anything burning
• Always have anything burning on a safe surface away from the house, fences, sheds or trees
• Always check bonfires for nesting animals and other wildlife before lighting
• Whoever is supervising the fire should not drink alcohol
• Never leave bonfires unattended
• Always have water or sand handy in case the fire becomes large
• If the fire becomes out of control, call 999 immediately. Do not try to tackle it yourself
Bonfire guidelines
• Only burn dry materials
• Never burn household rubbish, rubber tyres, or anything containing plastic, foam or paint
• Items such as these should be taken to a council run waste facility
• Never use highly flammable liquids to light bonfires
• Never put aerosols or pressurised containers on a bonfire
Fireworks
• Keep everyone at a safe distance during celebrations
• If your clothes do catch fire STOP, DROP and ROLL
• Never leave fireworks unattended
• Keep fireworks in a metal box with a lid• Use a torch to read instructions – never a candle or lighter!
• Use a taper to light fireworks
• Never go back to a firework once it has been lit
• Keep pets inside during bonfire and firework celebrations
• If using sparklers, always wear gloves