Hemel Hempstead residents warned about dangers of garden firework displays

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is anticipating that it will attend more incidents than in recent years on Bonfire Night.

The service is warning that with fewer public firework displays due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many Hertfordshire residents will be buying their own fireworks to set off at home.

Cllr Terry Hone, cabinet member for community safety at Hertfordshire County Council, said: “We’ve worked hard in recent years to encourage people to attend public firework displays instead of setting off their own fireworks at home, but the pandemic has led to the cancellation of many of the county’s annual professional displays.

“When a home firework display goes wrong, the consequences can be very serious. Not only can fireworks set fire to sheds, fences, and foliage, they can cause serious injuries.

"Fireworks can also harm wildlife and can be a nuisance to neighbours, especially those with young families, those with pets, or older and vulnerable people.”

As of today, some public firework displays have been given the go ahead, however if your local display has been cancelled, we’re urging you to think very carefully before you buy fireworks for home use, and always follow the instructions on the box.

Hertfordshire’s district and borough councils have been working with the organisers of these events to ensure that fire safety advice and Covid-19 guidance are closely followed.

Hertfordshire County Council’s Director of Public Health, Jim McManus, said: “If you are attending public firework displays this year, it is your responsibility as well as the organisers to keep those around you safe.

“You must not attend in a group of more than six, and you should keep at least a two-metre distance from other groups.

"Please allow extra time to get to the event safely and be patient when leaving so that you always remain at a safe distance from others.

“If you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus, or if you are experiencing any symptoms, self-isolate immediately.”

If you do choose to have a display at home, it’s important to follow the fire and rescue service’s advice:

Buying fireworks:

- Only buy fireworks that are CE marked

- Avoid buying fireworks on social media, and be wary of buying them elsewhere online; fireworks can be faulty and could pose a real danger to you and your family

- Only buy fireworks from reputable retailers with a licence; they can also advise you on the best fireworks for your needs

- Keep fireworks in a closed box

Planning a display:

- Do you have enough space to hold a display safely? You need plenty of room to stand well back once fireworks are lit, so consider if your garden is suitable

- Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable, and ensure it finishes before 11pm

- Follow the rule of six: only six of you can meet in any space, indoors or outdoors

- Consider letting children watch the display from indoors, safely out of the way

- Keep pets indoors

- Read all the instructions carefully before lighting fireworks

- Lighting fireworks and sparklers:

- Light fireworks at arm's length using a taper

- Stand well back once a firework is lit, and never go back to a lit firework

- Never put fireworks in your pocket

- Never throw fireworks

- Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves

- Never give sparklers to a child under five.