Advice from Northamptonshire emergency services ahead of Halloween and Bonfire Night

Police and fire chiefs are urging the public to stay safe this Halloween and Bonfire Night as cases of coronavirus continue to rise across the county.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Trick-or-treating and home firework displays are being discouraged this year in a bid to reduce mixing between households and prevent additional demand being placed on the NHS and emergency services.

Families can take part in a pumpkin trail instead of trick-or-treating, which involves giving treats to children whenever they spot a pumpkin picture in a window.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Assistant Chief Constable, Simon Blatchly, said: “I understand that young children particularly get excited about Halloween and the theatre of trick-or-treating, however, 2020 is different to other years and it is vital that everyone follows the law.

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Services is advising the public against having bonfires and setting off fireworks at home in order to reduce demand on the emergency services.Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Services is advising the public against having bonfires and setting off fireworks at home in order to reduce demand on the emergency services.
Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Services is advising the public against having bonfires and setting off fireworks at home in order to reduce demand on the emergency services.

“We will have increased patrols in place across the county during Halloween to ensure those people who do want to venture out are able to have a safe and enjoyable time.

“However, it is important to remember that not everyone enjoys Halloween and that people’s anxiety about the event may be heightened because of Covid-19. Anti-social behaviour can have a significant impact on other people and we are asking that you respect other people and their wishes.”

The ‘Rule of Six’ states that only groups of up to six people can mix indoors or outdoors - this would change should Northamptonshire move into the high tier (tier two) at which point, only bubbles would be able to mix outdoors.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) is advising the public to use artificial candles in pumpkins and other decorations instead of real ones and to remember that Halloween costumes tend to be highly flammable so, if one catches fire, the wearer must stop, drop to the ground and cover their face with their hands then roll around until the flames are out.

A policing operation will be taking place throughout Halloween and into next week, ahead of Bonfire Night.

Most professional firework displays in Northamptonshire have been cancelled this year so there are concerns that more people than usual will opt to celebrate bonfire night at home.

Having bonfires and setting off fireworks are being discouraged in a bid to reduce demand on Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service and the NHS.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Shaun Hallam, from NFRS, said: “Bonfires can get out of hand very quickly and it’s vital that people follow the instructions for fireworks by the letter or things can go disastrously wrong.

“I appreciate that we are asking a lot of people, as bonfire night is usually such a fun time, however, we are asking people to not only protect themselves but also the emergency services and NHS at a time when demand is high.

“That said, I understand some people will still want to go ahead with their own displays, so we have provided some safety tips to help ensure you and your family remain as safe as possible.”

In regards to purchasing fireworks, the NFRS has advised to only buy fireworks from reputable dealers and fireworks should always carry a ‘CE’ mark.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The NFRS has also advised the public to always follow the instructions that come with fireworks, light them at arm’s length, keep fireworks in a closed metal box away from any sources of heat and to never go near a firework that has been lit - even if it has not gone off - because it can still explode.

Pets should be kept indoors and children aged five or under should not be allowed to handle sparkers; older children should wear gloves and be closely supervised. Fireworks cannot be let off between 11pm and 7am except on Bonfire Night, when the cut off is midnight, and on New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year when the cut off is 1am.

For those planning bonfires, the NRFS is advising the public to build bonfires clear of buildings, roads, sheds, fences, trees and hedges and - if possible - somewhere sheltered from the wind. The bonfire - before being lit - should be checked for any pets, wildlife or small children and to keep a bucket of water or working hose pipe nearby.

Never use flammable liquids to start a bonfire or burn any dangerous items such as aerosol cans, paint tins, foam furniture or batteries. Pour water on the embers when finished so the fire does not reignite and, if any clothing catches fire, stop drop and roll then seek medical advice urgently.