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Explosives/firework law is enforced by Trading Standards Departments.  For further information visit the Trading Standards website.  

Celebrate Safely and Handle Fireworks With Care!

This is the message from Northamptonshire County Council's Fire and Rescue Service ahead of the weekends bonfire night celebrations.

FIREWORKS

DO'S and DON'TS

• Keep fireworks in a closed metal box and take them out one at a time
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions on each firework. Read them by torchlight - NEVER a naked flame
• Light fireworks at arms length using a safety firework lighter or fuse wick
• Stand back after lighting
• NEVER go back to a firework once lit - it may go off in your face
• Keep a bucket of water handy
• Used fireworks should be collected after the display with care. Douse with water, bury or place in a metal container
• Wear a protective hat, gloves and have eye protection, such as goggles
• Keep children under control
• Keep pets indoors

SPARKLERS

Sparklers are often viewed as a more harmless firework, but they still burn fiercely and they are not suitable for children under the age of five years old. Experts say that they can get six times as hot as a pan of cooking oil.

If you buy sparklers, store them in a closed box in a cool, dry place. They are not suitable to take to a public display, it is often too crowded to use them safely.

To enjoy sparklers safely:

• Always wear gloves, preferably leather ones
• Get children to hold sparklers at arms length whilst it's lit by an adult and always supervise children.
• Do not wave sparklers about near other people
• Hold sparklers at arms length
• Do not run when using a sparkler
• When the sparkler has gone out put it into a bucket of cold water

BONFIRES

Please remember bonfires present hazards before they are lit.

DO'S and DON'TS

• If you must light a bonfire, in connection with a fireworks display, then:
• Site well away from houses, garages, sheds, fences, overhead cables, trees and shrubs
• Before lighting the fire check that no pets or children are hiding inside
• Build the stack so that it is stable and will not collapse outwards or to the side
• Never use flammable liquids - paraffin or petrol - to light the fire
• Do not burn foam filled furniture, aerosols, tins of paint or bottles
• Keep everyone away from the fire - especially children who must be supervised at all times.
• Keep buckets of water, the garden hose or a fire extinguisher at the ready
• Pour water on the embers before leaving

There is further about information about firework safety and the law on the DirectGov and on the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) websites, just follow these links:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/InYourHome/Escapingandrecoveringfromafire/DG_064665

http://www.bis.gov.uk/policies/consumer-issues/product-safety/firework-regulations

 If you require any further information please contact Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service on 01604 797000.