People celebrating Bonfire Night at home this year who plan on letting off fireworks are being asked to notify their community in order to minimise the impact on animals, livestock and vulnerable people.
The council has launched a campaign to raise awareness of the impact of fireworks within communities and will work with Lincolnshire Police, Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue and the RSPCA to encourage those planning on letting fireworks off to be courteous to their neighbourhoods by making them aware in advance.
Every year the authorities receive over 400 calls about fireworks. Fireworks can be as loud as 150 decibels which can results in distress to household pets and can startle livestock causing injuries, death or them to flee in fear, escaping their fields and causing road traffic accidents.
Notifying neighbours and livestock owners allows precautions to be taken to protect their animals and make arrangements for vulnerable people who it may be distressed by the loud noise caused by fireworks close to their homes and with the COVID-19 Rule of Six in place, it’s likely people will want to celebrate traditional dates at home in their gardens.
We would also encourage the community against the use of sky candles, which can cause fires, resulting in significant damage to property; and also to the wellbeing of animals.
Businesses who sell fireworks are encouraged to stock quieter fireworks to give customers the option and enable them to enjoy them without causing distress to others.
Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Cllr Paul Skinner, said: “Fireworks are becoming more and more popular for celebrations. We are aware people may still want to celebrate in small gatherings on the traditional dates, so we are asking them to be neighbourly and to consider using quieter fireworks. It’s good practice and should become second nature”.