RoSPA Press Office : Press Release
November 2, 2000
WET-WEATHER INCREASES BONFIRE DANGERS
The wet weather that has been sweeping the country could lead to bonfire tragedies in the next few days, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents warned today.
RoSPA fears that people may be tempted to use petrol, paraffin or meths to start fires in damp conditions.
Sarah Colles, RoSPA Home Safety Adviser, said: "People have been badly burned and have even died following explosions when using accelerants like these in the past.
"We urge people not to use them, no matter how anxious they are to get a fire going.
"The best thing is to keep a store of dry materials and use those to start the fire."
More than half of last year’s 1056 firework accidents involved children. Proposals for teenagers to have identity cards to help regulate the sale of fireworks, and items like alcohol and cigarettes, will be discussed at RoSPA’s National Home Safety Congress on Monday.
The conference, "Sharing Good Practice", is sponsored by William Levene, manufacturers of the Culinare Safety Can. It will be held at the Moat House Hotel, Stratford upon Avon on Monday and Tuesday (November 6-7).
A national registration scheme for bonfire and firework displays has been called for by RoSPA. The Society believes the plan would help persuade more people to go to organised displays and would lead to a reduction in firework injuries. A scheme would allow organisers to have plans checked by experts and reassure the public that they were attending a safe event.
Until a national scheme can be established, RoSPA would like local and fire authorities to set up voluntary registration schemes.
RoSPA has warned people not to stockpile petrol at home because of fears of a fuel crisis. Even a spark from a cigarette, pilot light or light switch could cause an explosion.
