Emergency workers urge families in Cornwall to stay safe on Bonfire Night
Organised fireworks displays have been cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic
With services already stretched due to Covid-19, people in Cornwall are being asked to take extra care on Bonfire Night and ensure they are following the latest lockdown rules.
The country is now in a second nation-wide lockdown. You must not meet socially indoors with family or friends unless they are part of your household - meaning the people you live with - or support bubble.
This means people who have arranged to celebrate Bonfire Night with friends and family, may have to change their plans.
Families still planning to mark the occasion are being urged to keep themselves and their children safe and be considerate to others.
The fire service says that not only are bonfires and fireworks dangerous, they can cause a nuisance for neighbours and animals. Smoke coming in through windows can cause issues for people with breathing problems, and fireworks can be really stressful for people, especially those with pets.
“We are advising against having bonfires and fireworks at home as they can result in painful injuries for too many people, including very young children.
“We know that sparklers can be great fun but they are not toys. They get five times hotter than cooking oil and can cause serious burns.
“Make sure children with sparklers are closely supervised and never give sparklers to youngsters under the age of five. Stick them into a vegetable, such as a carrot or parsnip, so you protect your hands and keep a bucket of water nearby so you can put your spent sparklers in there.
“If you must have a bonfire, let us know in advance. This helps us avoid sending fire engines to false alarms when they could be responding to a real emergency.”
Scott Brown, from Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service’s Prevention Team
An influx of patients at Royal Cornwall Hospital’s Emergency Department may result in the team being unable to treat people in a timely manner and keep the department covid-safe.
“Many of you may be tempted to have your own home fireworks display. We would urge you to do that with great caution following the safety advice with the kit.
“Sadly, over the past few years we have seen far too many firework related injuries. Please if you have children with sparklers or fireworks in the garden do that safely. Have fun but please have safe fun.”
Andrew Virr, consultant at the Emergency Department
Remember always call 999 in an emergency, but if you need medical advice and you’re not sure where to go call 111.
If you are celebrating at home, make sure you follow Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service’s BONFIRE code:
B – Build your bonfire away from buildings, trees, fences and sheds.
O – Observers should be kept at a safe distance.
N – Notify Fire Control if you decide to have a bonfire on 02031 622240.
F – Fuels and accelerants should never be used on fires.
I – In case of emergency, always have a water supply to hand.
R – Returning to fireworks once lit is a NO, NO!
E – Extinguish all fires before leaving them.
Anyone planning to have fireworks or bonfires at home should read the full safety guidance on the Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service website.
To notify Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service about a bonfire call 0203 162 2240 and tell the critical control operator where and when the bonfire will be lit.