The London Fire Brigade are asking people to take care this week as the annual fireworks day celebrations get underway
THE FIRE Service is urging Merton residents to take special care ahead of this week’s bonfire night celebrations.
A report released by the London Fire Brigade shows the number of fires and fire-related injuries vastly increases at this time of year.
Figures taken from the last three years reveal fire-fighters attend twice as many larger blazes than on any other day.
The service attends five times more call outs for minor fires during the firework and bonfire season.
Mitcham Fire Station Watch Manager David Simpson says he expects to be called out to hundreds of incidents this year.
“Fireworks can be spectacular but essentially they are explosives and can cause serious injuries if handled irresponsibly.
“A trip to hospital or wrecked property will certainly make you remember the 5th of November, but for all the wrong reasons.”
Hundreds of injuries are reported each year across Britain, with over half involving children.
Mr Simpson said: “These statistics should serve to remind everyone to take extra care at this time of year.”
The fire service has set out guidelines to encourage safer firework use ahead of Merton’s events in Wimbledon Park on November 5 and Morden Park on Saturday 7.
People are advised only to buy fireworks marked with the British Standard Kite Mark and to follow instructions carefully.
For information about fire safety visit www.london-fire.gov.uk/BonfiresAndFireworks.asp
