Ahead of the Lunar New Year, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) are advising residents who are celebrating to take care and enjoy the festivities safely.
Lunar New Year, sometimes called Chinese New Year, marks the beginning of the new lunisolar calendar. On Wednesday, 29 January, communities around the world will be joined by residents in Berkshire celebrating the start of the new lunar year. However, the Service is warning revellers to take care this Lunar New Year as the risk of fire could ruin the festivities.
“If you plan to use fireworks to celebrate Lunar New Year, make sure you do so responsibly,” says David Grayson, West Hub Group Manager at RBFRS. “Only buy fireworks from trusted sellers and check that they are marked with the British Safety Standard certificate before you use them.
“To make sure everyone has a good time, keep a close eye on children and pets, ensuring that they are well away from any live fireworks. Never give sparklers to children under five years old.
“Please take care to ensure that you and your loved ones have a safe and happy new year.”
While flying lanterns are commonly associated with Lunar New Year celebrations, RBFRS strongly advises against using them. Once flying lanterns are launched, they are impossible to control and pose a serious fire risk to any property, livestock or woodland downwind of them.
Instead, celebrate the Lunar New Year safely by following our safety tips.
Fireworks:
- Only buy fireworks from reputable retailers and ensure that they are labelled with British Safety Standard Mark 7114.
- Follow the instructions on each firework exactly.
- Never return to a firework once it has been lit – even if it has gone off, it could still explode.
- Always light fireworks at arm’s length, and never point them at people or property.
- Stand well away from fireworks.
- Children must be supervised at all times.
- Never give sparklers to children under five years old.
- Always wear gloves when holding sparklers.
- Always keep buckets of water or a garden hose to hand.
Candles:
- Consider using flameless candles – LED, electronic and battery-operated candles can be left unattended, used around children and pets, and can be placed near curtains.
- Ensure that candles are placed in a proper holder on a stable heat-resistant surface.
- Keep flames away from curtains, furniture, long hair and clothing.
- Keep candles out of reach of children and pets.
- Remember to safely extinguish any candles before going to sleep or leaving them unattended.
If a fire does start, remember to get out, stay out and call 999.
Read more advice on our Celebrating Safely webpage.