Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service have issued safety advice

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service have issued the following safety advice ahead of bonfire night:

DO attend public bonfires and firework displays rather than planning your own individual events
DO store fireworks in their original boxes and follow instructions carefully
DO report built bonfires or materials being stored for bonfires
DO keep pets indoors
DO always store wheelie bins and rubbish in a secure place and only put on the highway on the actual day of collection
DO have cylinders, tyres, and all hazardous materials removed safely from your property utilising services available
DON’T give sparklers to children under the age of 5
DON’T ever put fireworks in your pockets
DON’T throw fireworks
DON’T ever go back to a lit firework
DON’T give timber or any combustible materials to young people for bonfires
DON’T drink alcohol if setting off fireworks

Keep it clean and safe this bonfire night, if you are planning on having a bonfire, make sure that you only burn small amounts of paper, leaves, wood and cardboard and the waste is kept securely before being burned.

Remember, it’s illegal to burn most types of waste. Burning waste such as treated wood, tyres, plastics, rubber and oil can seriously harm health and pollute the environment. People face a fine of up to £50,000 for illegally managing waste. Don’t be a victim of waste crime, if you’re organising a bonfire night this week make sure you know where the bonfire material has come from and it is suitable.

If you suspect illegal activity report it anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Read Environment Agency advice on GOV.UK to make sure you’re disposing of waste on your bonfire safely and legally.

You can call Merseyside Fire & Rescue service FREE on 0800 731 5958 to help with the following:-