Derbyshire fire chiefs urge residents to attend organised Bonfire Night displays during four-day strike

Derbyshire residents are being urged not to hold Bonfire Night displays at home as firefighters strike for four days.

Members of the Fire Brigades’ Union (FBU) will walkout from 6pm tonight until 6pm on Tuesday in their continued row over pensions.

A fire service spokesman said: “It is essential that everyone takes extra care and considers the safety of themselves and their family, especially if they’re planning an early Bonfire Night celebration.

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“We will still be providing an emergency response service during the action but this will be at a reduced level so we are urging members of the community to consider attending an organised bonfire display, rather than holding one at home.”

If you are still planning to hold a bonfire party at home, follow these important safety tips:

• Do not place your bonfire close to your home, sheds, fences or garage

• Ensure you have a hosepipe or bucket of water on hand

• Never use petrol to help light your bonfire

• Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114

• Don’t drink alcohol if you’re setting off fireworks

• Keep fireworks in a closed metal box

• Follow the instructions on each firework

• Light fireworks at arm’s length, using the taper provided

• Stand well back

• Never go near a firework that has been lit – even if it hasn’t gone off it could still explode

• Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them

• Always supervise children around fireworks

• Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves

• Never give sparklers to children under five

The FBU is in dispute with the Government over plans to make firefighters work until they are 60-years-old.

However, the Government inists firefighters have a good deal.

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