A HARD-HITTING bonfire safety drive has been launched in West Yorkshire.
The campaign, called Gone in a Flash, is being run by the county’s fire service.
It is backed by graphic posters showing the potential dangers of bonfire celebrations.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Craig McIntosh said: “November 5 is fast approaching and we want people to enjoy their bonfires and fireworks safely. But open fires and small explosives carry obvious dangers.”
A simple sparkler can burn at a temperature of 2,000°C – 20 times the boiling point of water – and a rocket can travel at 150mph.
Mr McIntosh said: “More than 1,000 people, mainly children, are injured nationally each year. That means an awful number of children who may carry scars for life.”
Top tips on bonfire safety are available on the fire service website www.westyorksfire.gov.uk
Last year the county’s firefighters went to 245 bonfire-related incidents between November 1 and 7.
With fireworks now widely on sale across the country the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents urges people to go to organised displays rather than their own.
A RoSPA spokeswoman said: “In previous years we have sadly heard of many people suffering painful injuries because something has gone wrong at a private fireworks party.
“Fireworks are not toys. They are explosives and injuries they can cause, such as to the eye, can be devastating.
“But these accidents are preventable and good preparation is a crucial element of a successful and safe display.”
The most recent figures for the UK show that 990 people went to hospital with firework-related injuries in the four weeks around Bonfire Night in 2005.
Nearly half of the injuries were suffered at family or private parties.
A quarter happened in the street or another public place where, by law, fireworks should not be let off.
Half the injuries were suffered by under-18s, even though it is illegal to sell fireworks to anyone who is under 18.
It is also against the law to carry fireworks in public if you are under 18.
