With bonfire night around the corner, Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service is reminding residents to take care and celebrate safely this November 5.

One important element is the 'Safe Sell Safe Use' retailer scheme which encourages all local retailers to sign up to make sure that fireworks are only sold to over 18s and that customers are advised on safe use. The key messages are promoted throughout stores and on every box of fireworks sold.

Sergeant Jared Connop said: “Devon & Cornwall Police are committed to keeping the people of Cornwall safe. It is an offence for anyone under the age of 18 to buy fireworks or have them in their possession in a public place.  If we can stop the illegal sale and use of fireworks then we can help ensure that our communities enjoy a safe and happy bonfire night.”

Crew Manager Mark Pratten of Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service said: “If you are organising your own display then only buy fireworks from a 'Safe Sell Safe Use' retailer and follow the firework code.

"Each year hundreds of children are scarred for life because parents underestimate the danger of fireworks. A rocket can reach 150 miles an hour and even a sparkler gets five times hotter than boiling cooking oil.

"We recommend going to an organised firework display which is the safest way to enjoy bonfire night. Check your local media for events nearby so that you can enjoy the impressive displays without putting your family at risk. ”

While organised displays are by far the safest way to enjoy fireworks, there are steps you can take to stay safe if you are planning your own at home.

“Bonfires and fireworks are a fun way of celebrating, but every year we hear reports of people being injured as a result of accidents which, for the most part, could have been avoided,” added Mark.

“Please take care if you are planning a firework display at home,” said Councillor Geoff Brown, Cornwall Council cabinet member for homes and communities. “Make sure you consider any potential hazards and don’t take shortcuts - follow the advice of Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service and celebrate safely.”

Top tips from the fire service for staying safe this bonfire night include:

  • Only buy fireworks from a licensed retailer and marked BS 7114
  • Don't drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.
  • Keep fireworks in a closed box.
  • Follow the instructions on each firework.
  • Light fireworks at arm's 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 children under five.
  • Keep pets indoors.
  • Don't set off noisy fireworks late at night.

If you are having a bonfire, make sure it is well away from houses, trees, fences, sheds and hedges. Build it carefully so that it won’t topple over when lit. Use firelighters to get the bonfire started – never use petrol or paraffin. And make sure you have water nearby to extinguish the fire if it gets out of hand.