Members of Parliament are urging the public to exercise caution with fireworks and disposable barbecues, particularly during the current heatwave, as fire crews face intense pressure from wildfires. The concern is amplified by recent incidents, including a significant wildfire at the Holme Fen National Nature Reserve.
MP for North West Cambridgeshire, which includes Holme Fen, stated that the current conditions make fireworks and disposable barbecues "genuinely dangerous." The plea is not intended to curb enjoyment but to acknowledge the heightened risks. Fire services are also appealing to residents to use fireworks responsibly, emphasizing supervision of sparklers and the legal requirement that fireworks must not be sold to or set off by individuals under 18, nor ignited in public spaces.
Cambridgeshire Police have reported instances of fireworks being let off near homes. One such report was received from a concerned resident in Dogsthorpe, Peterborough, on a recent Monday evening. In another part of the city, residents in the Longthorpe and Netherton area reported fireworks being used during daylight hours for extended periods.
The Nene Park Trust has taken preventative measures by banning disposable barbecues in its parks, including Ferry Meadows in Peterborough. These actions come as fire services are stretched, dealing with multiple incidents including the large blaze at a nature reserve.
Fire incident commanders have noted the strain on resources, underscoring the importance of public vigilance in preventing further incidents. The call for caution highlights the interplay between public activities and environmental conditions, particularly during periods of high temperatures and dry weather that increase the risk of fires.