With one of the busiest times of the year for fire crews just weeks away, Cleveland Fire Brigade is urging communities to Be Smart, Be Safe, Be Sensible this Bonfire season.
The Service’s advice is simple: leave fireworks to the professionals and attend an organised display this November.
Hannah Smith, Head of Prevention and Engagement at Cleveland Fire Brigade, said: “We want everyone across our communities to enjoy Bonfire Night, but most importantly, to enjoy it safely.
“The safest way to enjoy fireworks is by attending a professionally organised display. There are a number of organised events taking place across Cleveland, and we would strongly encourage people to attend one of these wherever possible.”
Fireworks are explosives and can be extremely dangerous if not handled correctly, with the potential to cause serious injury. Thousands of people are injured each year as a result of fireworks, bonfires and sparklers, with common injuries affecting the hands, wrists and eyes. Sparklers can also reach temperatures of more than 2,000°C.
If you do choose to celebrate at home, Be Smart, Be Safe, Be Sensible and follow our safety advice:
- Think, don’t drink – alcohol and fireworks do not mix.
- Stay alert – always supervise children around fireworks.
- Stand back – keep a safe distance from fireworks and stay behind any safety cordons.
- Protect four-legged friends – keep pets safely indoors.
- Be considerate – be mindful of your neighbours and the times when fireworks can legally be used.
- Shop safely – only buy fireworks from reputable, licensed retailers and make sure they meet the required safety standards.
For more Bonfire Night and firework safety advice as well as details of local fireworks displays in the Cleveland area, please visit the Service’s website.
Help us prevent deliberate fires
As part of its Bonfire campaign, the Service is also highlighting the dangers of deliberate fires. These incidents not only put lives and property at risk but can tie up valuable fire service resources and take crews away from other emergencies where they may be needed.
Last year on Bonfire Night, crews responded to 165 incidents across Cleveland, around a 12% increase on the previous year. These included numerous bonfires, 18 of which had become out of control, alongside rubbish fires, two property fires and one flat fire.
The Service is asking everyone to remain vigilant throughout the Bonfire period and help keep their communities safe.
Anyone with information about deliberate fire-setting can report it to FireStoppers, 100% anonymously, at firestoppersreport.co.uk.
