Halloween and Bonfire Night 2020

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service have been working in partnership with South Wales Police, Dyfed Powys Police and Local Authorities to raise public awareness on how to be safe for the upcoming Halloween and Fireworks activities.

For many, especially children and young people, Halloween is an opportunity to wear fancy dress costumes, carve pumpkins, duck for apples, tell scary stories and of course, the annual knocking on doors of people that they know for “treats”.  Sadly, Halloween and Bonfire Night, like many other events, will be impacted by coronavirus and the restrictions in place.  While we want people to enjoy themselves, we ask everyone to think how they can Keep Wales Safe this Halloween and Bonfire Night and not spread coronavirus.

With this in mind, this year’s festivities will be different and we urge everyone to follow Welsh Government advice and be mindful and respectful of neighbours who may be self-isolating.  Welsh Fire and Rescue Services and Welsh Police Forces will be reinforcing the key messages of being safe over Halloween and Fireworks night to children and young people and being respectful to others within their communities.

MAWWFRS are encouraging the public to celebrate both evenings in the safest way possible.  Welsh Government guidance has been updated and with stricter lockdown restrictions in place we urge you to be safe and to follow the below safety advice

• If you want to buy fireworks remember they can be dangerous, and the added risks of coronavirus means you should think very carefully about doing so this year. If you do buy fireworks for your own use, you should always follow the Firework Code.
• Wales is currently under a national lockdown. So please remember that if you have a firework party in your house or garden with non-permitted visitors, you will be breaking the law and putting everyone at risk of catching COVID.
• You shouldn’t set off fireworks in a park or other public open space. All local authorities in Wales have banned this.

The Fire Service, Police and Local Authorities are strongly advising the public against building private bonfires.

MAWWFRS Arson Reduction Manager, Richie Vaughan-Williams explains:

“MAWWFRS is committed to keeping communities safe and we urge the public to follow Welsh Government guidelines of Covid-19 and social distancing.  With Wales under national lockdown we are encouraging the community to respect their neighbours, protect emergency services and enjoy celebrations at home.

Over this period, we will be working with our partner organisations, supporting our most vulnerable people who have been subjected to anti- social behaviour and crimes. If you are aware of anyone who may be selling illegal fireworks, please contact the Police by phoning 101.

Richie Vaughan -Williams continues:

“Remember it is illegal to light fireworks after 11pm and we remind our communities to celebrate Halloween and Bonfire Night safely by following the Fireworks code and to respect neighbours who do not wish to participate in these celebrations.   We advise pet owners to keep their animals indoor, cats and dogs may become scared of the loud noises.   Your neighbours may also have pets, be considerate and let them know if you intend celebrating.  Please be safe over the forthcoming weeks and remember to respect neighbours, protect emergency services and enjoy celebrations safely and ensure that you observe all of the lockdown rules in Wales.”

If you are unsure of the firework code Sbarc has some excellent advice.