Thursday, November 5 – The Fire and Rescue Services Department is urging the community to be safe in the midst of Guy Fawkes better known as Pope Night celebrations.
“Traditionally this night is celebrated in the Territory with a bonfire,” Acting Deputy Chief Fire Officer Mr. William Penn told the Department of Information and Public Relations.
“We are asking for the cooperation of the general public to inform the Fire and Rescue Services Department at 494-3473 about 15 minutes before they light their bonfires,” Mr. Penn announced.
According to Mr. Penn this will allow the department to meaningfully deploy its resources, which could be a determining factor in saving life and/ or protecting property.
The Fire and Rescue Services Department is asking all participants in Pope Night celebrations to adhere to a list of safety tips which he identified as finding a suitable site away from flammable liquids, designating one person with responsibility for safety, not burning dangerous materials such as foam-filled furniture, aerosol tins and the like and checking wind and other conditions before lighting the fire.
In addition the deputy advised that persons should wet around the outside of the bonfire, refrain from using flammable liquids like gasoline to light the fire and have a container of water nearby.
“As we celebrate Guy Fawkes’ Night, we encourage the public to adhere to these tips and to make the necessary provisions to be fire SMART during this celebration,” Mr. Penn concluded.
Guy Fawkes’ Night is celebrated on November 5 in the United Kingdom and some parts of the Commonwealth in commemoration of the failed plot by Guy Fawkes to blow up parliament during the early 1600’s.
British Virgin Islands News