People urged to keep safe and “show respect” amid concerns Bonfire Night will create additional strain for emergency services

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service has joined up with the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust and North Wales Police in an appeal to help keep people safe this bonfire and fireworks season.

With many organised events cancelled, people may be tempted to set off fireworks and have bonfires in their own gardens – with fears that this may mean a busy night for emergency services across the region.

Justin Evans, head of prevention and protection for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The number of incidents involving fireworks and bonfires we attend has reduced dramatically as the public have listened to our plea to attend organised displays rather than setting off their own fireworks at home.

“We are concerned that the cancellation of organised fireworks displays could lead to an increase in home displays and possible injuries and we are urging people to think twice about using fireworks at home.

“If you do decide to let off fireworks or have a bonfire, we would appeal to everyone to show respect by following the advice set out below.”

The following advice / firework code has been issued to help keep people safe:-

– Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable, and ensure it finishes before 11pm
– Only buy fireworks which carry the CE mark, keep them 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 use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire
– Make sure that the fire is out and surroundings are made safe before leaving.

People are also being urged not to take risks and put additional pressures on emergency services, which are already under strain due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Jonathan Sweet, Welsh Ambulance Service’s Area Operations Manager said: “On what is a high-pressure night for all emergency services across the region, we are urging the public to help safeguard themselves, their families, neighbours and friends by staying safe and not taking risks.

“We must keep the ambulance service as free as possible to deal with the most acute and life threatening calls, especially in this time of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Burns injuries, especially, can be avoided by following the Firework code. If you do suffer a burn, ensure you:

– Get the person away from the heat source
– Cool the burn with luke warm or cool water for 20 minutes
– Remove any clothing or jewellery that’s near the burnt area
– Make sure the person keeps warm
– Cover the burn using a layer of cling film or a clean plastic bag
– Use painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen
– Seek medical advice by calling 111, GP out of hours or visiting A&E if required

Fireworks can frighten people and animal; the elderly and children are frequently scared and intimidated by firework noise.

Tell your neighbours if you’re a planning on letting off fireworks and avoid purchasing really noisy ones and please be considerate when having a firework party and make sure the noise is over by 11pm.

You must not set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, except for Bonfire Night, when the cut off is midnight and New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year, when the cut off is 1am

Superintendent Helen Corcoran, Head of Community Safety at North Wales Police said: “We want to remind people that you must be over 18 to purchase fireworks and that it is illegal to set off or throw fireworks (including sparklers) in the street or other public places.

“You can be fined up to £5,000 and imprisoned for up to 6 months for selling or using fireworks illegally. You could also get an on-the-spot fine of £90.

“This year whilst our policing focus remains firmly on tackling antisocial behaviour and keeping people safe, our message is a little bit different given the unusual circumstances we are in due to the coronavirus. Fortunately, the majority of communities we police don’t experience a great increase in crime at this time of year, but there can always be one or two people who spoil it for everyone else. We don’t want anyone’s enjoyment to get out of hand and cause distress or harm to others.

“Please remember to respect, protect and enjoy.”