Issued: 1.11.07
At: 10am
For immediate release

FIRE SERVICE URGE PEOPLE TO BE SAFE IN THE RUN UP TO BONFIRE NIGHT AND DIWALI

With Bonfire Night and Diwali approaching, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service is
urging people to ensure that they celebrate safely.
Posters warning of the dangers associated with fireworks and candles are now on
display around the region.

Fireworks cause hundreds of avoidable injuries every year. Between 2000 and 2005,
more than 6,500 people were hurt and required hospital treatment across the UK.
Since 2004, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service have attended 102 incidents
related to fireworks and bonfires but fortunately yet no one has been seriously injured
or killed.

Howard Robinson, Director of Community Safety said: -
‘Our safety campaign should definitely make people think about their safety.
Statistics show that you are safer at an organised display rather than
lighting fireworks yourself in your own back garden. As a Service, we would
urge people to follow this advice: -
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 fireworks at arm’s length, using a taper
• Stand well back
• Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it hasn’t gone 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
• Don’t let off noisy fireworks after 11pm
• Nominate responsible persons who are not drinking to take charge of
fireworks displays
Bonfire Safety
• Make sure you build your bonfire well away from houses, trees, sheds or
fences
• Before lighting a bonfire, check beneath it for animals - and children!
• Never throw fireworks onto the fire
• Keep party guests well away from the fire
• Don't drink alcohol if you're in charge of a bonfire
• Never use flammable liquids like paraffin or petrol to get it going as this can
result in uncontrolled spread of fire or explosion
• Check immediately before lighting that there’s no animal or even a young
child hidden inside
• Never put fireworks on a bonfire, even if they’re dud
• Don’t burn dangerous rubbish (e.g. aerosols, paint tins or foam-filled furniture)
• Remove any rubbish from your bonfire area in advance so there’s nothing
that can be thrown onto the fire on the night

- ENDS -

Notes to News Desk
Contact Information
For more information please contact

Amanda Kelly-Pike
Marketing and Publicity Co-ordinator
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service
Tel 0116 287 2241

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