Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) urges residents to buy safe this Bonfire Night

With all organised displays cancelled, LFRS fear that many people will try and hold a DIY display in their garden, however the service is asking people to consider a few things before they do so.

People should check that the fireworks they buy are suitable for the size of their garden. Category 2 and 3 are only for sale for the public for outdoor use. They must carry the CE mark which is the safety standard. Fireworks cannot be sold to under 18s.

It is also important to ensure they are stored safely which means out of reach of children, secure, where they cannot get damp and also away from other sources of ignition and combustibles.

A spokesman said: “Remember that fireworks are explosives, and as such should be treated with respect and only used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. We are currently amidst a global pandemic and we are asking people not to take risks, putting additional pressures on our emergency services.”

Injuries can be prevented by following the Firework Code:

Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable, and ensure it finishes before 11pm (or midnight on Bonfire Night)

Read and follow the instructions on each firework

Place on a stable surface, light the firework at arm’s length with a taper and stand well back

Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks

Never return to a firework once it has been lit

Dispose of fireworks by soaking in a bucket of water for several hours, bag it and bin in your usual black bin once completely cool

Don’t put fireworks in pockets and never throw them

Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators

Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire

Keep your bonfire within a cordon area away from fireworks, people, property and trees and never light using flammable liquid.

Keep pets indoors and ensure children are a good distance away from the fireworks

Pour water on bonfire embers to ensure it is fully extinguished before leaving

The spokesman added: "It is also important to ensure that you are following lockdown measures and refrain from mixing with other households.

"Tell your neighbours if you’re planning on letting off fireworks and avoid purchasing really noisy ones. Please consider how scary the setting of fireworks could be for someone from a military background or for someone who suffers the affects of PTSD. Please be considerate.

"Fireworks can also cause a great deal of distress to pets and animals. In a recent survey, 62 per cent of dog owners reported their pets showing signs of distress during fireworks season, with 54 per cent of cat owners experiencing the same. The fire service is supporting RSPCA’s ‘Bang Out Of Order’ campaign, encouraging the responsible use of fireworks and the adoption of tighter regulations concerning their use.

"Ultimately fireworks, whilst pretty to look at, are very dangerous and can cause serious harm and distress. Amid this pandemic and our need to look after one another, we’re asking Lancashire to show some respect this Bonfire Night. Let’s Do It For Lancashire."