Remember the fireworks code this bonfire night

Date published: 05 November 2007

"Have a happy and safe bonfire night with your family; attend an organised bonfire or fireworks display this 5 November" is the message being put out by County Fire Officer Barry Dixon. He went on to say, "this weekend has been a particularly busy one for all our operational personnel and we have seen number of firework and bonfire related injuries".

Injuries reported to  the service  have included those caused by fireworks and a number of incidents caused by people trying to light bonfires using petrol. So everyone enjoys a happy and safe bonfire night the Service has issued the following safety advice:

• • Always attend an officially recognised  bonfire/fireworks display (for a list of local organised bonfires visit www.manchesterfire.gov.uk)

Fireworks

• If you must have your own fireworks party, leave the lighting of the fireworks to a responsible adult.
• Only ever buy fireworks from a reputable retailer.
• Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114.
• Keep fireworks in a closed metal box.
• Follow the instructions on each firework.
• Light them at arm’s length using a taper.
• Stand well back.
• Never go back to a lit firework.
• Never put fireworks in your pocket.
• Keep a bucket of water nearby if you are setting off fireworks in your garden.
• Never throw fireworks.
• Keep pets indoors.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix and may lead to injury.

Bonfires

• Never build your bonfire too close to overhead cables or nearby property. Bonfires should be 18 metres from buildings, trees, fences, overhead cables and car parking areas.
• Bonfires should be no more than 3 metres in height.  There should be a suitable barrier around the bonfire to keep spectators 5 metres away.
• Always check your bonfire before it is lit, children have been known to build dens inside them.
• Do not use petrol, paraffin, diesel, white spirit or methylated spirit to light the bonfire – USE FIRELIGHTERS INSTEAD.
• Do Not Burn aerosols, batteries, bottles, foam-filled furniture, tins of paint or tyres.
• Keep some buckets of water nearby in case of emergency and to damp down after the event.
• Always extinguish your bonfire once your party has finished.
• Bonfires built on council land without permission will be removed.

It is illegal to:

• Set off fireworks after 11 pm, except on certain defined days, such as 5 November (until midnight), New Year's Eve, the Chinese New Year and Diwali (until 1 am).
• Throw fireworks/let them off in the street .
• Possess fireworks unless you are 18 or older.
• Sell fireworks to minors.
• Sell fireworks without being registered.
• Fail to comply with storage requirements (retailers).