People celebrating Guy Fawkes night in Essex urged to avoid bonfires
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS) is asking us to avoid putting pressure on emergency services.
With events across the country cancelled and the second lockdown underway, residents across Essex are being urged to remain safe if they're holding their own firework displays.
While bonfires tend to be a favourite for Guy Fawkes night, we're being asked to ditch them altogether.
Head of Prevention at ECFRS, Will Newman, said: "At this time of year we get called to a number of bonfires and some of these can spread out of control, especially very quickly.
"This year we're asking people not to build them. As I said, they can burn surprisingly quickly out of control and damage not only your home but your neighbours too and wildlife.
"It's really not worth the risk."
According to ECFRS in the space of three years, over 1,000 people were seriously injured by fireworks in England and Wales.
Will continued: "Unfortunately it's the younger generation that tend to be most at risk of those injuries from fireworks. Generally, the injuries they receive are sometimes life-changing."
People are encouraged not to drink alcohol if they are setting off fireworks, make sure they are CE marked and never go near a firework that has been lit, even if it doesn't go off.
For more safety advice, residents are encouraged to visit the ECFRS website.