Bonfires and Fireworks

A bonfire or beacon are great ways to celebrate Bonfire Night and other events, but do follow these safety tips:

• Don't burn household rubbish on a bonfire.
• Use dry, untreated wood.
• Build your bonfire away from public roads, trees, hedges, fences or buildings.
• Beware of overhead wires.
• Warn your neighbours beforehand so they can take in any washing, close windows, keep pets indoors and take other necessary precautions.
• Before you light the bonfire, check whether any pets, wildlife or small children have crawled inside.
• Never use flammable liquids to start a bonfire, and never throw on fireworks.
• Keep everyone a safe distance from fireworks and bonfires.

Do not leave rubbish or old furniture lying around—instead, store it securely behind a locked gate, away from your home. If you need to arrange a bulk waste collection, contact your local council. Ensure your wheeled bin is off the street after collection day and secure. The government has produced a guide on Celebrating with Bonfires and Fireworks, which can be downloaded here.

Alternatively, if you are having a bonfire to get rid of garden waste, please consider alternatives such as composting or storing your waste until you are able to get rid of it using your refuse collection services. Burning waste should be a last resort.

Please also consider your neighbours who may have underlying health issues which could be affected by smoke as well as the environment around you.

If you are still going to have a bonfire, please contact our Fire Control team to let them know, as this will prevent us from mobilising crews to you unnecessarily and remember to:

• Use an incinerator bin and keep any bonfires away from sheds, trees, fences, and any other areas which could easily catch fire
• Make sure to check for any overhead items, such as power lines
• Avoid the use of any accelerants, such as petrol or paraffin
• Keep children and pets inside
• Don't leave fires unattended, and keep a bucket of water or garden hose nearby.

Remember...

Call 999 if your bonfire becomes unmanageable.

Public Fireworks displays are safer, and you and your family will get to see more fireworks. If you choose to hold a display at home, ensure you follow the Firework Code – Firework Top Ten Safety Code for Adults (courtesy of ROSPA) safety guidelines. Young people should watch and enjoy fireworks at a safe distance and follow the safety rules for using sparklers. Only adults should deal with fireworks displays and the lighting of fireworks. They should also take care of the safe disposal of fireworks once they have been used.

• Plan your fireworks display to make it safe and enjoyable.
• Keep fireworks in a closed box and use them one at a time.
• Read and follow the instructions on each firework using a torch if necessary.
• Light the firework at arm's length with a taper and stand well back.
• Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks.
• Never return to a firework once it has been lit.
• Don't put fireworks in pockets, and never throw them.
• Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators.
• Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire.
• Make sure that the fire is out and the surroundings are made safe before leaving.

Only buy fireworks from a legitimate retailer. Check the fireworks you buy are suitable for the size of your garden and conform to British Standards (BS 7114). Make sure everyone stands well back. Don't drink alcohol if you are responsible for lighting the fireworks. Always wear gloves when holding a sparkler. Light sparklers one at a time. Never give sparklers to children under five Keep pets indoors and warn neighbours.

Remember:

• It is illegal to possess a firework if you're under 18 years old.
• It is an offence to set off fireworks after midnight on 5 November.
• It is illegal to set off fireworks (including sparklers) in the street or public place.