Fire chief warns public ahead of Bonfire Night

With Bonfire Night just a day away, a senior figure in the fire service have warned those celebrating the event that it is safer to go to an organised fireworks display rather than holding a party at home.

This call comes in the wake of a rise in firework-related injuries over the past few years, especially amongst those who are under-16. And now it has been said that it won’t be long till there are more serious injuries from fireworks at amateur displays.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s chief fire officer, Andy Marles, said:

“Every year, crews from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service spend a great deal of time responding to calls caused by the misuse of fireworks, and it’s only a matter of time before someone gets seriously injured.

“We want people to celebrate this year’s Bonfire Night in the safest way possible, and are encouraging them to attend organised public firework displays in their area, which are much safer, more entertaining and much more cost effective.

“However, we are also reminding those people who will continue to buy fireworks for private displays, to always rigorously follow the Fireworks Code and abide by the Fireworks Regulations.”

If you are going to have a fireworks display at home, always remember the fire risk and take all necessary precautions.