Celebrations such as Birthday parties, Bonfire night, New Year, Christmas, Eid and Diwali can be times when it is easy to get distracted and be less aware of the risk of fire.
Find out how you can handle fireworks, decorations and lights safely and prevent accidents by following these simple tips.
Follow the firework safety code
If you are thinking of using fireworks as part of your celebrations you can follow these safety steps:
- only buy fireworks marked BS 7114
- don’t drink alcohol if you’re setting off fireworks
- store fireworks in a closed box
- follow the instructions on each firework
- light fireworks at arm’s length, using the taper provided
- stand well back
- never go near a firework that has been lit - even it hasn’t gone off it could still explode
- never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them
- always supervise children around fireworks
- light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves
- never give sparklers to a child under five
- keep pets indoors
- don’t set off noisy fireworks late at night and never after 11pm
- take care around open flames such as bonfires and barbecues - all clothes even those
- labelled ‘low flammability’ can catch fire
Fireworks and the law
If you misuse them you may be liable for an on the spot fine of £80. If found guilty by the courts a fine of up to £5,000.
It is an offence to:
- buy adult fireworks if you are under 18
- set off fireworks in the street or other public places
- set off fireworks between 11 pm and 7 am
- You can let off fireworks until 12 pm on bonfire night and until 1 am on Christmas, New Years Eve, Chinese New Year or Diwali.
- If you are using fireworks you will need to be aware of your neighbours and that you do not cause a nuisance.
Bonfires
Domestic Properties
Nuisance
The smoke and smell from a bonfire can upset neighbours, ruin enjoyment of the garden, prevent people opening their windows or hanging out their washing.
Safety
Fires can spread quickly damaging plants, trees, fencing and buildings. Bottles and cans can explode when they are burnt. Piles of garden waste can be used as a shelter by wildlife or even your pets, so remember to check before lighting a bonfire. Smoke from a bonfire can also cause a danger if it reduces visibility on nearby roads.
What is the legal position on bonfires in Carmarthenshire ?
There are no specific laws against having bonfires. However if a statutory nuisance is being caused by bonfires, then legal action to prevent such a nuisance can be taken under section 80 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
For a bonfire to be classed as a nuisance it would have to be a regular problem and interfere substantially with someone's well being, comfort or enjoyment of their property.
The best way of disposing of garden rubbish is to compost it or take it to a Civic Amenity site. If you choose to dispose of it by burning instead, follow these guidelines and the chances are you won't annoy your neighbours or cause a serious nuisance :
- Only burn dry material.
- Never burn household rubbish, rubber tyres, or anything containing plastic, foam or paint.
- Never use old engine oil, methylated spirits or petrol to light the fire or to encourage it.
- Avoid lighting a fire in unsuitable weather conditions - smoke hangs in the air on damp, still days and in the evening. If it is windy, smoke may be blown into neighbours gardens and across roads.
- Avoid burning at weekends and on bank holidays when people want to enjoy their gardens.
- Avoid burning when air pollution in your area is high or very high.
- Never leave a fire unattended or leave it to smolder - douse it with water if necessary
Industrial Properties
It is an offence to cause or permit the emission of dark smoke from industrial or trade premises under the Clean Air Act 1993.