Charity calls on Caithness to stay safe this Bonfire Night
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People in Caithness are being urged to enjoy Bonfire Night safely and prevent negative impacts on people, pets, and the environment.
Advice Direct Scotland, which runs the national consumer advice service consumeradvice.scot, said people should attend organised public firework displays and bonfire celebrations where possible.
Every year, the emergency services are placed under immense pressure because of private, irresponsible, or badly organised fires and displays.
The charity said that if bonfires must be set at home, people should ensure these are secure and built away from properties, fences, trees, and any overhead cables or telephone wires.
It is an offence to burn most types of waste, as setting fire to anything other than untreated wood, cardboard and paper, and branches and leaves, can release harmful toxins and pollute the environment.
Accelerants such as paraffin or petrol should never be used as these can cause fires to spread quickly and get out of control.
Advice Direct Scotland said people should discuss their plans with neighbours so they can take extra precautions to protect pets or vulnerable residents who may be distressed by loud noises from fireworks.
And it reminded Scots that it is illegal for individuals to set off fireworks before 6pm or after 11pm, with an extension to midnight on November 5.
When setting up firework displays, people should follow the Firework Code which can be found on Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s website at www.firescotland.gov.uk
This includes:
- Follow the instructions on each firework, use them one at a time, and never return to one that has been lit.
- Always light fireworks at arm’s length with a taper and stand well back. Never put one in your pocket or throw one.
- Supervise children around fireworks and keep pets indoors.
- Don’t go near fireworks or bonfires when you are under the influence of alcohol.
People with pets are advised to keep them in the quietest part of the property, and animals should not be left alone for long periods of time on louder nights.
Owners are advised to act as calmly as possible and use the sounds of TV or radio as background noise.
Advice Direct Scotland also stressed the need for people to take great care when using sparklers as they can burn at least 10 times the temperature of boiling water.
It said people should wear gloves, supervise young people, and never give a sparkler to a child under the age of five.
Used sparklers should be put hot end down in a bucket of cold water.
Conor Forbes, Advice Direct Scotland’s director of policy, said: “Bonfire Night is a fun time of year with people gathering together to watch fireworks displays.
“But these celebrations will be far more enjoyable if those organising events take care in what they are doing and respect the law and the people around them.
“It is vital to stay safe, and the best advice is to try to attend an officially organised display.
“If you are building a bonfire at home or setting off fireworks, be aware of your surroundings, be conscious of your neighbours and pets, never leave children unsupervised, and remember that alcohol and fireworks don’t mix.”
