A CORNISH Coastguard has labelled the actions of one resident ‘reckless’ after a flare was launched in the centre of Wadebridge.
On Tuesday night (November 19), the emergency services and Coastguard received a number of calls after a red distress flare was set off in Wadebridge.
This trigged an emergency response from both HM Coastguard Polzeath and Padstow rescue teams along with Devon and Cornwall Police and the Rock RNLI Lifeboat. However, after intensive searches of the river and camel trail, a discarded distress flare was located in the park.
Following the incident, HM Coastguard has issued a firm reminder to residents that flares do not take the place of fireworks, and that launching a flare in a non-emergency situation is a criminal offence.
A spokesperson from Polzeath Coastguard said: “It goes without saying how reckless these actions were. Not only is it a criminal offence to fire distress flares in a non emergency situation, it is also illegal to leave it on the ground.
“Please remember that flares are not fireworks and are for distress situations only and should not be used for any other reason. They should also be disposed of appropriately if expired or damaged.”
Following the incident, which saw four emergency services mobilised, the details of the situation were passed on to Devon and Cornwall Police.
The Coastguard also explained that flares should be disposed of in the proper manner, and must be taken to the nearest registered disposal point, as not disposing of them in the correct manner is also a criminal offence.
Despite the false alarm on this occasion, the service has praised those who notified them of the situation by calling 999.
The spokesperson added: “It is important that flares are reported in an emergency so that we can help those in need. The members of the public that called us, did the right thing. Even if you are uncertain whether you have seen a distress flare, we will send our teams to investigate.
“If you think someone is in trouble, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”