Fool with fireworks and BANG goes your image

A couple of facts from the Guinness book of Records: The largest ever single firework travelled 300 metres into the air. It was so big and powerful it had to be launched from a specially constructed pad made of concrete and steel . The record for the most rockets ever let off in one go was set at the Battle of Flowers Moonlight Parade in Jersey on 15th August 1976 when a staggering 39,210 rockets were simultaneously launched at the push of a button.

Fascinating facts about fireworks: Legend has it that Chinese made the first fireworks in the 800’s filling Bamboo shoots with gunpowder and exploding them at New Year with the hope the sound would scare the evil spirits In this country fireworks are used to celebrate 5th November. The anniversary of Guy Fawkes’ failed attempt to blow up parliament Fireworks are also used during Diwali, known as festival of lightsOther countries use fireworks for other celebrations: The French celebrate the French Revolution on 14th July with Parties and Fireworks Fireworks are let of to mark Canada day on 1st July Fireworks cause hundreds of avoidable injuries every year people do not use their common sense.

Every year we see injuries that are caused through people not handling fireworks carefully. Eye injuries are the most common injury from fireworks, often resulting in permanent loss of sight. Once an eye has been damaged it is rare to recover to full vision. Over 300 people were left with eye injuries last year. “Don’t be blind to the dangers of fireworks”. Before you start thinking that it’s not going to happen to you, consider this.  Last year just over half of all injuries happened to children under the age of 16 years of age.  That’s a lot of kids who may have ugly burn scars for life. It is an offence to let fireworks off between 11pm and 7am, except on Bonfire Night (midnight), Diwali, New Year, and Chinese New Year (1am). It is against the law to carry fireworks in public if you're under 18. It is against the law to throw or set off fireworks in the street. Fireworks must not be sold to anyone who is under 18. The animal charity Blue Cross says that the best thing you can do is to keep your pets indoors. This includes bringing in pets that are normally kept outside, such as rabbits or guinea pigs

We always recommend that you attend an organised public display. Look in your local newspaper or call the community Fire Safety team on 01234 351081 for details of your nearest event. Bedfordshire and Luton Fire & Rescue Service, wishes you a happy and safe fireworks night 2006.