Maple Hayes students with firefighters and the mannequin used in the demonstration
Maple Hayes students with firefighters and the mannequin used in the demonstration

Schoolchildren in Lichfield have been learning just how dangerous fireworks can be during a visit by firefighters.

Last year, nationally there were 1,141 reported injuries caused by fireworks. Five hundred of those involved children and teenagers between five and 17-years-old.

The presentation and demonstration by the Lichfield branch of Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service to children at Maple Hayes Dyslexia School talked about the dangers of fireworks and demonstrated – by setting light to a firework in the pocket of a mannequin – the damage that fireworks can do.

Matt Higginson, Crew Manager Blue Watch at Lichfield said:

“Since we began doing presentations in schools, the number of injuries at private firework parties has reduced. We accept that we can’t get to everyone face to face, so we are concentrating on the high risk category of children aged five to 17.”

Dr Daryl Brown, headteacher at Maple Hayes Dyslexia School added:

“We’re grateful to Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service for coming out to do this demonstration. Telling children to be careful is one thing, but demonstrating to them why then need to be careful, I believe, is far more effective.

“Last year we had a similar demonstration, but only had one year-group watching. It created such a buzz and chatter around the school that this time we decided to get the whole school to watch. If this presentation stops just one of our pupils from acting dangerously around fireworks, then it makes the investment in time incredibly worthwhile.”

As well as the talk and demonstration, there was a question and answer session for pupils to voice any concerns. They were also given a copy of the firework code to take home.

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.