Remember, remember… keep windows and doors shut!
No one was more delighted by the foiling of the Gunpowder Plot than James I, the first of the Stuart kings of England, who narrowly avoided becoming the first king to sit on a rocket-propelled throne. So he allowed bonfires to be lit to celebrate, provided they were “without any danger or disorder.”
In all probability you and your neighbours will enjoy fireworks at public displays because flats don’t really lend themselves to private displays, but don’t let that fool you into a false sense of security.
November 5th falls on a Saturday this year which means it is likely there will be firework parties throughout the weekend.
In 2014, a £750,000* flat in an exclusive central London square was gutted when a stray firework flew through an open window and set it on fire, so it may be a good idea to keep all your windows and doors shut.
Fire investigators do not believe anyone deliberately targeted the flat, but witnesses reported hearing fireworks exploding “within inches of their windows” moments before the blaze began.
Firefighters smashed through the front door to the communal hallway and in to the flat to put out the flames.
Lambeth Watch Manager Javan Day, who was at the scene, said: “If you live in a flat it’s also a good idea to make sure you don’t store anything flammable on your balcony or by windows as this could ignite and cause a fire if hit by a stray firework.”
** http://www.bonfire-night-safety.co.uk/
Reviewed 30/03/2023 – NR
FP805-2016
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