FIRES SPARKLES BANGS: Everything you need to know about Bonfire night
As bonfire night closely approaches, the illuminating fireworks will brighten our dark cold nights. Bonfire night is a tradition every November to commemorate the events of November 5th, 1605, when a mischievous man called Guy Fawkes plotted to blow up the Houses of Parliament.
The reason behind the assassination of the members of the Houses of Parliament was due to the government being Protestant and the plotters were Catholic. The conspirators stored 36 barrels of gunpowder under the House of Lords in London. They planned to blow up the Houses of Parliament however, quickly realised innocent people would be hurt or killed in the attack. Even members of parliament that had fought for more rights for Catholics.
Catholics suffered severe repression across the country and were barred from voting, holding public office, and owning land. The religious restrictions prompted Fawkes to leave England for the Netherlands, he served in the army for Catholic-ruled Spain. Fawkes became notorious as he rose in ranks as a soldier. Robert Catesby a fellow English Catholic, crafted the plans to blow up the Houses of Parliament however Guy Fawkes was found guilty of high treason for executing the plans.
One of the group members sent an anonymous letter warning Lord Monteagle to stay away from the Parliament on November 5th. The letter reached the king which lead to the King’s forces stopping the conspirator’s plans. Guy Fawkes was discovered in the cellar of the parliament with the 36 barrels of gunpowder – he was caught, tortured and executed. On this very night the public celebrated the safety of the King with bonfires.
This celebration of the Kings safety has passed on since 1605 and is remembered by every 5th November the UK celebrate “Guy Fawkes night” or also called “Bonfire Night” by having big bonfires and fireworks and saying the English Folk Verse “Fifth of November”.
“Remember, remember the Fifth of November,
The Gunpowder Treason and Plot,
I know of no reason
Why the Gunpowder Treason
Should ever be forgot.
Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, ’twas his intent
To blow up the King and Parli’ment.
Three-score barrels of powder below
To prove old England’s overthrow;
By God’s mercy he was catch’d
With a dark lantern and burning match.
Hulloa boys, Hulloa boys, let the bells ring.
Hulloa boys, hulloa boys, God save the King!”
Whilst celebrating Guy Fawkes Night, there comes great danger due to fireworks, sparklers and bonfires. Bonfire night leads to vast amounts of firefighters being dispatched every year on 5th November. Statistics from the Children’s burns trust say over 550 children under 16 are taken to A&E in the four weeks surrounding bonfire night alone.
20-year-old Rebekah Smith, who works at Dpd, was deeply affected by the misuse of sparklers. “I was 12 years old at the time, I went to a bonfire night down the road from me and was given a sparkler to hold. I dropped it and it burnt my leg and I had to go to the hospital. It made me realise how dangerous sparklers actually are. I refuse to hold any now and I will never let my siblings hold them. I definitely think children shouldn’t be given sparklers.”
Richard Chamberlain, who is a retired West Midlands Fire Service Officer said, “We used to be very busy years ago around and on November 5th. Recently it’s less busy mostly due to a big drop in the number of people having bonfires in their own gardens.
We were always called to deal with bonfires that had got out of control by being too big in the first place or too near buildings or fences for example or neighbours getting upset about smoke in their houses or flames too near their property! We also get calls from motorists when smoke from fires would go over roads, again due to size of bonfire and weather conditions like strong wind blowing smoke over roads.
The service always deals with the extra calls though. Better and more high-profile safety advice and education via social media and the press has helped reduce unwanted call outs and accidents over bonfire period.”
After asking how to stay safe during Bonfire Night, Richard Chamberlain replied,
“Firstly, I’d advise in this digital age with info at your fingertips go to your local fire services website as they will all give you the best up to date local fire safety advice.
1. Always buy any fireworks from a trusted reputable seller. Not from a mate’s mate down the pub!
2. Store fireworks safely not in residential rooms, under your stairs or on an escape route.
3. Store away from heat and ignition sources.
4. Ensure enough space in your garden to safely let of fireworks and maintain a safe distance away from the fireworks.
5. Keep children & pets safe away from fireworks.
6. Fireworks should only be set off by responsible adults and not those drinking alcohol!
7. Keep unlit fireworks in a safe box with lid on preferably a metal tin.
8. Use a torch for illumination never naked flames.
9. Never return to a lit firework.
10. Let off one at a time.
11. Ensure proper and secure structure for setting off rockets & Catherine wheels.”
Also, Richard Chamberlain suggested not to give under 5’s sparklers, to set fireworks off at the allocated times which is usually 7pm to 11pm – if you set off fireworks outside these times it’s an offence. Don’t burn anything painted, aerosols, tyres and flammable items. Always keep a hose pipe or buckets of water on standby if fires get out of control. Keep pets and children away from fires and the most important thing… STOP DROP AND ROLL if anyone’s clothes catch on fire.
With Richard Chamberlain’s tips, you can enjoy Bonfire night and celebrate Guy Fawkes failed attempt at assassinating the Members of Parliament. As winter approaches, Bonfire night is a great way to illuminate your dark, cold nights.