RoSPA Press Office : Press Release

November 6, 1998
BONFIRE WARNING AFTER CHILDREN INJURED

RoSPA today issued an urgent reminder about bonfire safety after a boy received 95 per cent burns in an explosion in Scotland.

There were also reports of two children being injured when an aerosol exploded in a bonfire in Stornoway.

"People often concentrate on firework safety and forget that bonfires can be just as dangerous," Mary Reilly, RoSPA Home Safety Manager in Scotland, said. "With many more bonfires likely to be taking place over the next few days it is vital that people take care.

"Bonfires need proper planning and supervision. It is essential to check around the area beforehand to ensure that there is nothing that might explode, like fuel cans and gas bottles. Of course, items like glass and aerosols should not be thrown onto the fire.

"The heat from a bonfire can be tremendous and people do not realise how dangerous that can be. Spectators need to be kept well back and the fire should be sited well away from wooden fences, sheds and other buildings.

"Fires should never be lit with accelerants like petrol and meths. Four years ago a child was killed when a bonfire exploded after petrol was poured onto it.

"People should not wear loose clothing near the fire, and the organisers should make sure it is out when the party is over by pouring water onto it."

Midland Bank has supported an update of the popular RoSPA firework safety leaflet Bonfires, Bangers and Barbecues, featuring the firework code. Copies are being distributed to children through the MidBank school banking service.

Individual copies are available to people who send a stamped addressed envelope marked "Fireworks" to the Administration Department, Safety Policy Division, RoSPA, Edgbaston Park, 353 Bristol Road, Birmingham B5 7ST.