DON’T be a fool, stick to the rules - that’s the call from police in Chester in the run up to bonfire night.
Officers are already being called out to incidents involving the misuse of fireworks and illegal fires, but they are calling on everyone in the city to use common sense as November 5 approaches.
Sergeant Anton Sullivan of Chester Outer Neighbourhood Policing Unit, said: “Fireworks and fire are extremely dangerous, if used inappropriately, and I am asking everyone in Chester to think about the consequences of their actions.
“Every year we see anti-social and nuisance behaviour associated with fireworks and there is a very real risk that someone could be seriously injured as a result.
“We want to make this year’s as safe as possible for all in the city and will take swift action against anyone who is caught misusing fireworks or lighting illegal bonfires.”
A special control room will be set up on certain nights in the run up to, during and after Bonfire Night, which will have an overview of all calls and incidents and will ensure all calls which relate to local problems are passed direct to local officers and are dealt with as soon as possible.
Sgt Sullivan added: “We will be working hard over the coming weeks to restrict the opportunities for young people to get hold of fireworks and to take action against those who use them inappropriately.
“We will be working with Trading Standards to take steps to ensure retailers are adhering to regulations and will be out and about in the area to take action where there are problems.
“We are also working closely with Chester City Council and Chester and District Housing Trust to deal with unofficial and illegally constructed bonfires.
“Any fires built on public open space, without proper authorisation, will be reported to the council which will send a specialist team to clear the area.”
There are currently a number of laws in place to deal with offences involving fireworks. Some are relatively recent such as the Fireworks Regulations 2004 while others date back as far as 1875 (the Explosives Act 1875).
The combination of the offences they include give police the power to deal with a range of offenders from those who throw fireworks in the street to stores who sell fireworks to people under 18.
In addition, anti-social behaviour laws which see on-the-spot fines given to those who cause harassment, alarm and distress with their behaviour can also be used.
Inspector Mel Williams, of Chester Inner Neighbourhood Policing Unit said: “The laws provide us with a good framework to take action against people who do not use fireworks in the correct manner and some of those laws carry long sentences – an arsonist can be sent to jail for life. Hefty fines can also be made and in some cases, there is no maximum limit.
“This should go someway towards showing people that the law takes the misuse of fireworks and the setting of fires extremely seriously and we will not hesitate to take action against anyone who breaks these laws.”
Inspector Phil Hodgson added: “We do not want to take the enjoyment out of Bonfire Night, but we ask that any celebrations are carried out in a sensible manner.
“If people want to see fireworks or a bonfire they should go to organised displays rather than having an impromptu event of their own. If you are using fireworks at home, be sensible and do not cause a nuisance – think about the potential impact of your behaviour on other local residents. “
“And I encourage parents to make sure important safety messages are given out to their children. Parents also need to talk to their children about the possible consequences of their actions during and in the run-up to Bonfire Night.
“We want everyone to have a good Bonfire Night and, for the right reason, to make the 5th November a night to remember.”
There are a number of offences involving fireworks, under various pieces of legislation. They are listed below:
MISUSE & NUISANCE OFFENCES
Throwing fireworks in a street or public place
Wantonly discharging fireworks in a street
Throwing fireworks and damaging the highway
Causing injury/danger/annoyance on the highway
Throwing fireworks at a football match
Use firework between 11pm and 7am
SALE & SUPPLY OFFENCES
Supplying dangerous fireworks to the public
Supplying fireworks to persons under 18
Selling fireworks to persons under 16
Supplying wrongly labelled/packaged fireworks
Supplying fireworks of erratic flight/rockets
Supplying fireworks not complying with BS 7114
Selling fireworks in a public place
Supply, offer or agree to supply excessively loud category 3 firework
Supply or expose to supply fireworks - fail to display notice / provide Information requirements
POSSESSION OFFENCES
Possessing fireworks at a sporting event
Possess fireworks (under 18) in a public place
Possess category 4 firework
OTHER OFFENCES
Keeping fireworks in unauthorised premises
Failing to store fireworks according to rules
Keeping fireworks in breach of safety rules
There is a night time curfew in place all year round in respect of firework use except on the following dates:
Chinese New Year – until 1am
Diwali – until 1am
November 5 – until midnight
December 31 – until 1am January 1
Sale of Fireworks
Adult fireworks can be sold at any time by a dealer licensed by the local Trading Standards Department under the Explosives Act 1875. (An 'Adult' firework is the type of firework that can normally be purchased at supermarkets or newsagents and must bear a British Standard mark).
However registered traders may only sell fireworks during the following periods (Regulation 9):
Chinese New Year – The first day of Chinese New Year and the three days immediately preceding it
Diwali – on the day of Diwali and the three days immediately preceding
Bonfire Night – during the period beginning October 15 and ending on November 10
New Year – during the period beginning December 26 and ending on December 31
Firework safety
1. Store your fireworks safely
2. Pets hate bangs and flashes
3. Think ahead and be prepared
4. Do you really need a bonfire?
5. Watch what you wear
6. One firework at a time
7. Different fireworks mean different hazards
8. No fooling
9. Bonfires and booze don't mix
10. Watch that child