fireworksLichfield and Burntwood residents are being urged not to let fireworks destroy their fun on bonfire night.

Statistics reveal firework-related injuries are more likely to happen at private family parties – with the under 17s most at risk.

With sparklers able to reach temperatures of up to 2,000°C and firework rockets travelling at 150mph, the advice is simple – have fun but stay safe.

To bring the message home the Service has been touring the county’s schools as part of Operation Good Guy – a hard-hitting campaign which features an explicit presentation of just how dangerous fireworks can be.

Head of Risk Reduction for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue, Ian Sloss said:

“While this time of year is about recognising and celebrating history, it is important to remember that fireworks, although fun to watch, can cause serious injury and damage if not used safely.

“Fireworks cause hundreds of avoidable injuries every year, this can have a devastating effect on people’s lives and futures. Operation Good Guy is a timely reminder to children and young people to think about the dangers of fireworks in the hope they can develop a healthy respect for fireworks and be safe at all times.

“A sparkler reaches a temperature of up to 2,000°C which is 20 times the boiling point of water. That is why we constantly remind people they have to be so careful with any type of firework. Never give sparklers to children under five and always supervise the over fives.”

Residents are being urged to remember the Fireworks Code:

  • Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114.
  • Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.
  • Keep fireworks in a closed box.
  • Follow the instructions on each firework.
  • Light them at arms length, using a taper.
  • Stand well back.
  • Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if 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.

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.