Fire Service warns community to follow the firework code after surge in incidents

Members of the community are being urged to follow the firework code this bonfire season after firefighters responded to a high number of incidents last year across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. 

Throughout last year’s bonfire celebrations, the number of fires attended by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) crews was 62% higher than the previous year. In 2024 during the week of Bonfire Night (1-8 November) 112 incidents were reported compared to just 69 in 2023. 

With Bonfire Night just around the corner, many people will be attending organised events or planning their own celebrations at home but it’s important to consider the dangers of fireworks to prevent accidents and injuries that could last a lifetime. The safest way to enjoy Bonfire Night is by going to organised firework displays. If you are hosting a home display, it’s vital that you make safety your priority. 

Follow the Firework Code:  

• Fireworks are explosives and should always be kept away from children and pets and stored in a dry environment, away from any sources of heat or ignition. 
• Only buy fireworks from a licensed seller, 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. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Be a bright spark about bonfires  

• Think twice before hosting your own bonfire but if you do:
• Build the bonfire away from houses, sheds, fences, trees, and overhead cables.
• Never use flammable liquids like paraffin or petrol to light the fire.
• Once the bonfire’s lit make sure you…
• Keep a bucket of water or garden hose nearby – in case of emergencies.
• Don’t leave the bonfire unattended.
• Keep children and pets away from the bonfire.
• Don’t burn aerosols, tyres, canisters or anything containing foam or paint as these can produce toxic fumes or explode.
• Make sure that the fire is out, and surroundings are made safe before leaving.

Sparkler safety 

Sparklers are seen as a harmless way of allowing young children to participate in the thrill of fireworks night – THIS IS NOT TRUE – a sparkler can reach temperatures of 20 times the boiling point of water.

• Never give sparklers to children under the age of five.
• Make sure older children wear gloves and hold the sparkler at arm’s length.
• ALWAYS have a bucket of water nearby to put used sparklers in – hot end down.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dealing with burns – Cool, call, cover 

A burn injury is for life so it’s vital that you act quickly should the worst happen…

• Move the casualty out of harms way
• Cool the burn for at least twenty minutes under cold running water to reduce pain and swelling.
• Once the burn has cooled, cover it with cling film to reduce the risk of infection.
• Do not burst any blisters.
• If the burn is bigger than the casualty’s palm, is deep or on the casualty’s face, hands or feet, call 999.
• Advice for minor burns can be accessed through the NHS 111 Service/ your local urgent treatment centre.

Remember, remember… it is illegal: 

• To set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am (Bonfire Night is extended until midnight).
• To cause unnecessary suffering to animals with fireworks.
• To throw or set off a firework in the street, onto a road or in a public place.
• For a member of the public to possess a ‘display’ style firework (category 4 fireworks).
• To store fireworks for private use for more than 14 days