Date: 10th July, 2021
With England in the final of the Euro 2020 championship this Sunday, firefighters are taking the opportunity to remind fans about firework safety.
Fireworks are a great way of celebrating or commiserating, and they are completely safe if they are used properly. If you’re putting on a home display, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service have some simple steps to make sure that everyone has a good time without getting hurt.
Group Manager Jason Moncrieff said: “Firefighters across Dorset & Wiltshire will be wishing England good luck on Sunday evening ahead of the final. We want to encourage football fans across the counties to enjoy the game and celebrate, or commiserate, safely. We want to make sure that the public are kept safe and feel safe and we’d anyone who is using fireworks to consider the potential fire risks.”
He added: “There are a few simple things that can be done to reduce these risks, always follow the instructions on each firework and light them at arm’s length, using a taper and ensure that bonfires and fireworks are away from sheds, fences and other flammable materials.”
There are a few simple rules residents can follow to ensure fireworks are used safely:
- Keep fireworks in a closed box and use them one at a time.
- Read and follow the instructions on each firework, using a torch if necessary.
- Light the firework at arm’s length with a taper and stand well back.
- Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks.
- Never return to a firework once it has been lit.
- Don’t put fireworks in pockets and never throw them.
- Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators.
- Never put fireworks, even those which are fully spent, on the bonfire.
- Never dispose of fireworks by burying them.
- Safely dispose of fully spent fireworks.
- Soak misfired or partly spent fireworks in a container of water in an area where they cannot be tampered with (preferably away from the display site) and contact the manufacturer or supplier for advice on disposal.
For anyone thinking about using fireworks this weekend, more safety advice and information can be found on the DWFRS website – www.dwfire.org.uk/safety/safety-at-home/seasonal-advice/fireworks