Emergency services ask everyone to show respect this Bonfire Night

Emergency services across Tyne and Wear are asking everyone to show respect this Bonfire Night and keep pressure off frontline staff.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service is joining forces with Northumbria Police and North East Ambulance Service to help keep people safe this bonfire and fireworks season.

With many organised events cancelled, emergency services are preparing for a busier night than usual as people celebrate in their own gardens.

We are asking everyone to show respect this Bonfire Night.

Richie Rickaby Area Manager for Community Safety at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said: “While most people enjoy fireworks responsibly, in the wrong hands they can cause real misery.

“Remember that fireworks are explosives, and as such should be treated with respect and only used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and the Firework Code. Please don’t put extra pressure on firefighters or the emergency services this Bonfire period.”

Please stay safe and follow the Firework Code:-

• Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable, and ensure it finishes before 11pm
• Only buy fireworks which carry the CE mark, 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
• Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire
• Make sure that the fire is out and surroundings are made safe before leaving.

We are currently amidst a global pandemic and we are asking people not to take risks, putting additional pressures on our emergency services.

North East Ambulance Service Deputy Chief Executive, Paul Liversidge said: “We want everyone to stay safe this bonfire night so we ask that people follow all the advice around both fireworks and keeping safe from COVID-19.

“Please use our services wisely this year and only call 999 in a life-threatening situation and respect our staff and help to keep them safe so that they can respond to others in emergencies.

“If you do happen to suffer any injuries such a burn, as a result of handling fireworks, follow the guidance as stated:

• Cool the burn under cold running water for at least ten minutes.
• After the burn has been cooled, cover it with cling film or a clean plastic bag.
• Call 999 or 111 if necessary. Always seek medical advice for a baby or child that has been burned.”

For more information on treating burns and scalds and when to receive medical advice, please follow this link: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Burns-and-scalds/

Fireworks can frighten people and animals. The elderly and children are frequently scared and intimidated by firework noise. After all, fireworks are explosives. Tell your neighbours if you’re a planning on letting off fireworks and avoid purchasing really noisy ones.  Please be considerate when having a firework party and make sure the noise is over by 11pm.

You must not set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, except for:

• Bonfire Night, when the cut off is midnight
• New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year, when the cut off is 1am.

Chief Inspector Nicola Wearing, of Northumbria Police, said: “We do not tolerate anti-social behaviour on our streets at any time – and Bonfire Night is no different.

“Anyone found to be using fireworks illegally and causing disorder by setting them off in the street or throwing them, can expect to be dealt with robustly by our officers and could be fined up to £5,000 or face imprisonment.

“We would ask that people act responsibly and stay safe – and help ensure police and our emergency service colleagues do not need to divert resources towards situations which could be easily avoided.”

Fireworks can also cause a great deal of distress to animals. In a recent survey, 62% of dog owners reported their pets showing signs of distress during fireworks season, with 54% of cat owners experiencing the same. We are supporting RSPCA’s ‘Bang Out Of Order’ campaign, encouraging the responsible use of fireworks and the adoption of tighter regulations concerning their use.