Fireworks and fire risk
Fireworks and Fire Risks
The Parish Council would be very grateful if residents thinking of using Fireworks or Chinese Lanterns would consider the potential distress caused to animals and potential danger to property especially thatched cottages.
There is considerable information available at the UK Firework Review website; also on the Hampshire County Council website: Firework Safety and key legal points are listed at the foot of this page.
If you are planning fireworks please:
* consider the animals (see notes below) and thatched cottages:
* tell your immediate neighbours and discuss it with them;
* tell the Parish Council Clerk, Beverley Bridgman (01256 861371)
* ask George Hillier (01256 862368) to email the Neighbourhood Watch list;
* and put a notice on the Parish Notice Board outside the Village Hall.
Fireworks and Animals
In 2012 the Parish Council received several complaints from villagers whose animals had been affected by fireworks.
For many people, fireworks are part of an enjoyable evening spent watching spectacular displays and warming themselves by a bonfire, but for domestic and farm animal owners it can be a time of concern and distress.
The Animal Welfare Act 2006 is used to ensure the safety and well-being of animals that may be affected by fireworks. This Act states that we are all responsible for the welfare of animals in our vicinity and therefore potentially liable for the injury to animals and for the damage that they may cause as a result of their firework related distress.
According to the Firework Regulations 2004, people organising firework displays should inform local communities through a public notice one month in advance and take steps to minimise the effect this will have on both domestic and farm animals.
Fireworks should not be let off anywhere near fields or farms. Most people don’t realise how much suffering fireworks cause animals, including dogs, horse and farm stock. For those of you who really want to have fireworks in your back garden, please think carefully about how it will affect local pets and animals before you do so. In our rural village which hosts many pets, horses, farm animals, wildlife and thatched cottages, please consider whether it is really necessary for you to set off fireworks. Please consider your neighbours and their pets to make sure that we are all safe.
Key points relating to the law and fireworks
The information below is believed to be correct as at October 2013, but it is intended as a guide only. Firework laws are subject to change, and in some cases are open to interpretation. Please consult the relevant authority for confirmation of the laws prior to buying or using fireworks.
1. It is illegal to sell fireworks to anyone aged under 18 (this includes sparklers).
2. It is illegal for anyone to set off fireworks between 11.00pm and 7.00am, except on
• Bonfire Night, when the cut off is midnight.
• New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year, when the cut off is 1.00am.
3. It is illegal to set off or throw fireworks (including sparklers) in the street or other public places. You should only let them off on private land, such as your own garden, or on other land where you have the landowner’s permission.
4. It is illegal for under 18s to possess fireworks in a public place.
© Upton Grey Parish Council 2023 - Last modified: Mar 15 2021 12:04PM
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