If users are planning to have a bonfire at any time, but particularly during this firework period, please follow some simple safety guides to help users, their families, pets, and wildlife stay safe.
Building bonfire
- Build bonfires well away from, and clear of, buildings, garden sheds, fences, hedges, and overhanging branches.
- Keep it to a manageable size and evenly built, so that it collapses inwards as it burns.
- Do not include plastics, household items, or rubber in the fire.
Lighting bonfire
- It is dangerous to use flammable liquids to help start a bonfire such as petrol or kerosene, and use firelighters.
- Do not burn dangerous items such as aerosol cans, paint tins, foam furniture, or batteries.
- Do not throw anything in the fire.
- Tell neighbors, users are going to have a bonfire to avoid non-essential 999 calls.
Double-check
- The bonfire’s construction is still sound before lighting it.
- No children or wildlife are hiding in the fire.
- No hazardous items such as aerosols, sealed cans, or fireworks have been thrown onto it.
Remember
- Never leave bonfires unattended – SYFRS recommends a bonfire should be supervised by an adult until it has burnt out.
- Once users are finished with the bonfire, dampen it down fully with water making sure that the embers are extinguished and surroundings are made safe before leaving.
- Keep a bucket of water or hosepipe nearby in case of an emergency.
- If the bonfire becomes out of control and catches foliage or property alight, call 999 immediately.
- If clothes catch fire remember to STOP, DROP, and ROLL and cool burns under running water for at least 20 minutes.
Fireworks
Fireworks are something that can be enjoyed by all the family but should be used safely, carefully, and lawfully. Have a person dedicated to lighting fireworks who is over 18 and remember that alcohol and fireworks do not mix.
Tips
If users are planning on having a firework display, they can help to avoid an emergency and/or upset by following SYFRS's top tips:
- Ensure the firework is the correct way up and secure, the light at arm's length using a taper, and stand well back.
- Keep fireworks in a closed box away from the lighting location.
- Only buy fireworks that are CE marked and follow the instructions.
- Never go back to a firework that has been lit and don’t throw them or put them in the pocket.
- Keep pets indoors and let neighbors know users are having a display.
- Stick to the law – users can’t set off fireworks in public places and can’t set them off between 11 pm and 7 am except for Bonfire Night when the cut-off is midnight.
Sparklers
- Supervise children with sparklers at all times.
- Stick the end in a halved carrot to make it easier for little hands to hold.
- Light one sparkler at a time and wear gloves.
- Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby for used sparklers.
- Let them fully cool before throwing them away.
