Main content
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is urging residents in Essex to keep safe this bonfire and fireworks season.
With many organised events cancelled, emergency services are preparing for a busier night than usual as people celebrate in their own gardens so they are urging everyone to show respect this firework night.
Treat fireworks with respect
Will Newman Head of Prevention said:
While most people use fireworks responsibly, in the wrong hands they can cause serious injury. Remember that fireworks are explosives and should be treated with great respect and care.
We don’t want you to remember 5 November for the wrong reasons and especially this year, we do not want to put extra pressure on the emergency services.
Fireworks should be treated with respect and only used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and the Firework Code.
The firework code
- Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable, and ensure it finishes before 11pm (12pm on 5 November)
- Only buy fireworks which carry the CE mark, keep them in a closed box and use them one at a time
- Read and follow the instructions on each firework using a torch if necessary
- Light the firework at arm’s length with a taper and stand well back
- Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks
- Never return to a firework once it has been lit
- Don’t put fireworks in pockets and never throw them
- Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators
- Don’t build bonfires, they can spread out of control very quickly
- Always supervise children around fireworks
- Respect the emergency services
Keep up to date
Keep in touch with our latest news, service updates and reports.