Bonfire Night Safety Message

Title: Bonfire Night Safety Message
Date: 03 November 2010
To: All residents in Northamptonshire
From: Local Marketing Team
Reference: WB/CMS/3770/10
Message: Police are reminding people to act sensibly during Bonfire Night celebrations this weekend.
There will be a plethora of firework displays across the county during the weekend and members of the public are advised to attend organised firework displays if possible.
Fireworks can be dangerous and half of all firework accidents happen to under 16s, with most injuries occurring during home displays in the back garden.
People are also reminded that you must be 18 or over to buy fireworks and that if you are under 18 it is illegal to possess fireworks in a public place.
Throwing a firework in a street or public place is a criminal offence, with a maximum fine of £5,000.
Safer Community Team members will be out and about on patrol throughout the weekend to ensure Bonfire Night can be enjoyed safely by all.
A police spokesperson said: “Fireworks may be fun in the right place and at the right time, but every year, hundreds of calls are made to the police by people who are alarmed by or just fed-up with the noise of fireworks being used inappropriately in the street.
“We would urge people to make sure they act appropriately around fireworks and if possible attend an organised display and take the worry out of what should be an enjoyable evening for all of the family.”
Five things to remember this 5 November;
- You must be over 18 to buy fireworks
- If you’re under 18 it is illegal to possess fireworks in a public place
- It is a criminal offence to throw or discharge a firework in a street or public place
- Let off fireworks between 11pm and 7am and you will be breaking the law (except on bonfire night when this extends to midnight)
Don’t forget your pets! Keep them safe and indoors.

Northamptonshire’s Fire and Rescue Service also has some important fire safety information reminding people to stay safe on Bonfire night.

For more fire safety advice contact Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service on 01604 797000.