One of North Yorkshire’s senior fire officers has warned that you could get into trouble if you burn plastics and rubber on your bonfire this weekend
Station Manager Tony Walker from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue in Acomb and Huntinton has been telling YorkMix about the incidents he has been called out to over the years.
He also says that he has to report any fires that have been burning matrerials that cause polution to the Environment Agency.
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SM Tony Walker says: “Please make sure that you are not burning anything on your bonfire which pollutes the atmosphere. That includes things like rubber tyres, paint and foam plastics.
“We will of course put the fire out but we could also have to inform the Environment Agency because we must make sure that we are looking after the environment and keeping up with the Environmental Protection Act.”
If you burn rubbish that causes a nuisance the council can issue an abatement notice and a fine. Bonfires on public land are illegal; anyone caught building a bonfire could be fined for fly-tipping
Tony has also warned about the dangers of bonfires and fireworks at home.
He described a couple of incidents that he has been out to.
“I saw one occasion where fireworks set fire to a garden shed. It was a Catherine Wheel which the homeonwer had attached to the shed and that set the roofing felt ablaze.
“I’ve also been to one where a rocket didn’t go as high as it should have done and exploded over a shed again causing significant damage”
Always follow the firework code
* Do not buy fireworks from UNLICENCED retailers.
These fireworks may be unsafe and illegal.
* Only buy fireworks that comply with current safety standards. *
* Always keep fireworks in a closed box.
Take them out one at a time and close the box.
* Never put fireworks in your pocket.
* Be considerate. Let your neighbours know you will be having a display, especially if they are elderly or they have pets or children.
* Avoid setting fireworks off late at night, particularly if it is a school-night.
* Ensure your pets are safe.
* Carefully follow the instructions on EACH firework.
* Never go back to a lit firework unless the instructions advise otherwise.
* Never throw fireworks; it is dangerous.
* Light fireworks one at a time, at the end of the fuse, and at arm’s length.
* Light sparklers one at a time and wear suitable gloves, even when lighting them.
* Never give sparklers to a child under the age of 5.
* Never throw spent fireworks on a bonfire.
Source – British Fireworks Association