With one of the busiest nights of the year for fire and rescue services just around the corner, Cleveland Fire Brigade is reminding everyone to be smart, be safe and be sensible this fireworks period.
This year, in a drive to reduce the incidence of deliberate fires, Cleveland Fire Brigade are urging residents to where possible attend organised displays.
The safety advice is in response to alarming stats from Cleveland Fire Brigade which show that between 1st October and 30th November last year (2021), there were 633 deliberate grassland and refuse fires amounting to 80% of all fire calls during this period.
Robin Turnbull, Area Manager, Prevention, Protection and Engagement said: “We are aware that several of the major Fireworks displays across Cleveland have now been cancelled including Stockton’s firework spectacular and Middlesbrough’s Stewart Park display. However, we would encourage people to attend the smaller organised displays taking place in our communities.
We want everyone to enjoy themselves and by far the best way to stay safe and avoid injury is to watch fireworks at a secure site behind a safety cordon. Lots of organised events have food, music and other entertainment to provide fun for all the family in a safe environment.”
With the bigger organised events being cancelled, emergency services are anticipating a busier night than usual as people may decide to celebrate in their own gardens.
Whilst most people enjoy fireworks responsibly, in the wrong hands they can cause real misery. Every year over 4,000 people are injured due to misuse of fireworks and bonfires, sparklers burn at over 2000 oC. The most common injuries are to hands, wrists and eyes.
Don’t forget fireworks are explosive and extremely dangerous, please be smart, be safe and be sensible and remember if you do feel the need to celebrate at home:
- Think don’t drink – alcohol and fireworks do not mix
- Stay alert – always supervise children around fireworks
- Stand back – keep behind safety cordons in the appropriate area
- Four–legged friends – keep pets indoors
- Shop safely – you must be over 18 to purchase fireworks and only buy those with a CE mark. You can be fined an unlimited amount and imprisoned for up to 6 months for selling or using fireworks illegally. You could also get an on-the-spot fine of £90.
The Brigade would also like to remind the public that violence against staff and acts of vandalism whilst our firefighters are working tirelessly to keep our community safe over the fireworks period is totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
We are appealing to the public to be extra vigilant and report any incidents to our new FireStoppers service. These deliberate fires don’t just divert our resources away from real life-threatening emergencies and destroy the landscape, they could also put you and your family at risk. By being a FireStopper and looking out for what is happening in your area, we can all make a difference and keep our communities safe.
Deliberate Fires Destroy Communities
Tell us what you know, call FireStoppers on 0800 169 5558 or click here to visit www.firestoppersreport.co.uk and complete the simple online form. 100% anonymous. Always.
Click here for more safety advice and information about fireworks.
