Don’t let your bonfire celebrations fizzle out

Carmarthenshire County Council is helping ensure bonfire night doesn’t end up a damp squib.

Thirty six outlets across the county have been granted licenses to store and sell fireworks for 2015, and Trading Standards officers have been busy inspecting premises to ensure fireworks meet safety standards, are stored safely, and are only sold to people aged over 18.

The council is also helping to share important safety messages as part of Operation Bang (#OpBANG) – a Carmarthenshire Community Safety Partnership initiative which ensures a joint approach to safety and policing over the Halloween and Bonfire Night period.

Whilst people are being encouraged to attend organised displays, anyone who does wish to purchase their own fireworks is advised to only buy through an approved seller which will have been inspected by Trading Standards officers.

Cllr Jim Jones, Executive Board Member for Public Protection, and enforcement, said: “We would prefer that people enjoy fireworks from a safe distance at an organised display, however our teams have been working hard to ensure fireworks that can be purchased locally are being sold safely and responsibly. Please check that the person you are buying from is an authorised retailer that has been licensed by the local authority.”

The council’s Street Scene team are also asking people to dispose of used, misfired or partly spent fireworks safely and responsibly.

Any fireworks that still contain explosive material should be soaked in a container of water overnight to prevent them being tampered with or accidentally ignited, and then wrapped tightly in a plastic bag so they do not dry out. The manufacturer or supplier should then be contacted for advice on disposal.

Packaging, such as cardboard boxes, or general waste from bonfire parties such as plastic bottles and cans that can be recycled should be put in a blue bag or taken to one of the council’s household waste recycling centres.

All other waste should be put in black bags.