With Bonfire Night approaching, Norfolk County Council's Fire and Rescue Service will be creating a red line of a different kind to demonstrate the safe distance members of the public should be standing from home firework displays.
The Government Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform recommend a safe standing distance of 25 metres from where a firework is launched, and to give a visual comparison, fire engines, totalling around 25 metres in length, will be lined up alongside a guy and some fireworks at North Earlham Fire Station to show the recommended standing distance.
The photo opportunity is being set up as part of Operation Good Guy - a multi-agency campaign that has been running across the county to try and limit the amount of firework injuries and related anti-social behaviour.
Norfolk County Council's Trading Standards department and Fire and Rescue Service, and Norfolk Constabulary, have been out around the county as part of 'Operation Good Guy', talking to traders since early October about different responsibilities they need to consider when stocking and selling fireworks.
Trading Standards staff have been reminding traders of the law regarding the sale of fireworks and have also been checking that the fireworks that are being sold comply with British standards.
Officers from Norfolk County Council's Fire and Rescue Service have spoken to traders about the importance of storing fireworks in a safe environment - something that they have to satisfactorily demonstrate in order to obtain a licence to sell fireworks.
Finally, Officers from Norfolk Constabulary have been speaking to traders about responsible sales of fireworks and the anti social effect they can have on local communities should they fall into the wrong hands.
Richard Herrell, Group Manager for Norfolk County Council Fire and Rescue Service, said:
"We want people to enjoy their bonfire night but to also think carefully and ensure the area in which they use fireworks can accommodate them safely. Remember nothing should be within this safety zone - which must be specified on approved fireworks. Think about the impact a stray firework could have on you, your family, or your home."
Trading Standards have also been putting sales of fireworks to the test - using young people who are under the legal age to buy fireworks to try and purchase products across the county. Thus far, only one retailer has sold fireworks to the young person.
Information packs about firework sales and the danger of firework misuse have also been sent to over 200 Norfolk traders who hold a licence to sell fireworks, with information packs also having being sent to all high schools in Norfolk.
For further information - Contact Us
