Ahead of Thursday 2nd June, when beacons will be lit across the country to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, Avon Fire & Rescue Service has offered safety advice.
The fire service is encouraging those hosting beacons across the local area to follow key safety advice to ensure everyone can celebrate safely.
Over 1,500 beacons are expected to be lit throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and UK Overseas Territories, and one in each of the capital cities of Commonwealth countries in recognition of Her Majesty’s long and selfless service.
This will be the first time a British monarch has marked a Platinum Jubilee, 70 years as Sovereign.
The beacons will enable communities, individuals and organisations to pay tribute as part of the official Platinum Jubilee Weekend celebrations from 2nd to 5th June.
AF&RS Risk Reduction Manager, Nikki Rice, said: “Of course we want people to enjoy themselves as we come together as a country, and Commonwealth, to celebrate The Queens’ Platinum Jubilee, and we want to ensure everyone celebrates safely and reduce the risk of fire to property, business or local people.
“I’d encourage anyone planning to host a beacon in their community to follow the guidance set out, to ensure we remember the event for the right reasons.”
The Platinum Jubilee beacons website outlines everything you may need to know regarding the celebrations, including information on the different types of beacons and how to stay safe from fire.
Advice offered by Avon Fire & Rescue includes:
- If you are hosting your own private beacon, contact the fire service on 0117 9262061 to inform them of your beacon.
- Ensure the structure and base are generally of a sound nature and is in a good location in your garden (E.g. Not too close to the fence or shed)
- Do not burn plastics, metals or use any accelerants.
- Do not light the beacon in very high winds.
- Keep children and pets away from the beacon.
- Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies.
- Remember, embers will stay hot for a long time after the flames have been extinguished, ensure to keep away from the area and supervise children and pets.
Nikki added: “Despite the long weekend of celebrating for most of us, our crews will be on duty to ensure our communities remain safe and emergencies are responded to.
“You may also see our firefighters joining local people at street parties and celebrations throughout the area – we look forward to celebrating with you.”
There is a long tradition of celebrating Royal Jubilees, Weddings and Coronations with the lighting of beacons.
A beacon chain, once used as a tool for communication, has now become a symbol of unity across towns, borders, countries and continents and is often the central point of focus for any outdoor gathering or celebration.
In 1897, beacons were lit to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. In 1977, 2002 and 2012, beacons commemorated the Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilees of The Queen, and in 2016 Her Majesty’s 90th birthday.
