Due to the current pandemic and government restrictions on social gatherings, many organised Bonfire Night displays are cancelled this year. This brings the risk of many home organised bonfires and firework celebrations.

Across Cumbria it is against the law to have more than 6 people in your home or garden. In addition, in the Barrow Borough Council area it is against the law to meet other people inside their home, groups of up to 6 are still permitted in gardens.

Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Prevention Committee Neil Odin has shared his concerns around home displays, which could see a rise in the number of incidents and accidents and place pressure on the UK’s Fire and Rescue Services and the NHS.

Between 2014 –19 there were more than 1,000 severe burn injuries involving fireworks in England and Wales, with 38% of these in youngsters under 15 years of age and the majority (67%) were sustained by males.

Head of Prevention for Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service Will Richardson said: “We want everyone to enjoy the bonfire season responsibly and encourage multiple families not to host their own bonfires or events. Garden bonfires can easily get out of control. “Not only do these pose a serious risk to yourself, your family and the public, but they also take our crews away from other potentially life-threatening incidents. A great deal of work goes into preparing communities for the bonfire period, in order to clear any potential fuel for deliberate fire setting.”

Together with the Environment Agency, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service are urging people to ensure they’re burning the correct materials and wastes on their bonfire, to prevent impacts to the Environment and Human Health . 

Please visit the CFRS website for further safety advice, or get in touch with your local Cumbria Fire and Rescue Station.