Remember, remember, the environmental and safety impacts of the 5th November!
Today is Bonfire Night, which is an annual event involving bonfires and firework displays, to commemorate the events of the 5 November 1605, when Guy Fawkes was arrested while guarding explosives the Gunpowder Plotters had placed beneath the House of Lords, with the intention to assassinate King James I and his parliament.
Events to celebrate the plot being foiled include sparklers, bonfire displays and lots of fireworks, but can cause safety and environmental issues. Burning household waste can cause pollution, harm people, and the environment, and could lead to a fine of up to £50,000.
Environmental impact
The Environment Agency is urging those planning to celebrate to go to an organised event or risk a hefty fine if holding their own.
Bonfires have an impact on the climate and, if the wrong materials are burned can harm wildlife, the environment and human health.
The only materials that should be used in bonfires are dry, untreated and unpainted wood, along with small amounts of paper or cardboard. Using wet wood creates smoke which can spread and cause a nuisance to neighbours, and bonfires can get out of control if not properly managed.
It is not just householders that may use Bonfire Night as a way of getting rid of rubbish, businesses may use it to burn waste too, but the Environment Agency also urges them to be aware of what they are burning.
As well as the harm and nuisance burning the wrong kind of waste can cause, burning most types of waste is illegal and can carry a fine of up to £50,000.
Ben Shayler of the Environment Agency said: "We want people to have fun on Bonfire Night – but to do so safely and in a way that won’t create a risk to the environment, wildlife, you and your neighbours".
"The best way of doing that is to stop burning waste altogether and go to a properly organised community event where organisers have followed our guidelines and won’t be causing a hazard".
"Whether you are a business owner or householder, if you are paying someone to take waste away, always check they are licensed waste carriers who will dispose of waste correctly. Criminals working in illegal waste operations may also use the celebration to dispose of hazardous and inappropriate waste".
Safety impact
Fire services across the UK also recommend attending professional firework displays rather than setting off your own at home.
There are lots of organised events each year, with full safety precautions taking place in advance. Professional events will have full risk assessments in place, with things like escape routes, first aid, and emergency firefighting equipment to hand.
It is vital that people remember that fireworks contain explosives and can cause a lot of harm if not stored and used correctly. Fires can get out of hand quickly and become very dangerous.
Dave Waters, Area Manager of Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "We would always urge people to attend organised bonfire and fireworks events as it’s much safer. In addition, it reduces the potential pressure on the fire and rescue service at a time of year when we can be extremely busy".
In addition to bonfires, sparklers are very popular and can be great fun for the whole family, but they do burn at very high temperatures and can easily cause injuries if not used properly.
How to keep Bonfire Night safe and eco-friendly?
To make Bonfire Night environmentally friendly and safe, you should firstly consider attending an organised event.
If you are planning to have a bonfire at home and want it to make sure it is eco-friendly, the Environment Agency advises:
If you are planning to have a bonfire at home, these safety tips safeguard yourself and your loved ones around fireworks:
