Bonfire Night is a very popular fixture in the calendar where people come together to enjoy fireworks.

Bonfire Night can be plenty of fun for all of the family to enjoy, but with lots of potential hazards, it’s really important to keep you and your family safe. If you cant attend an official local fireworks event, then follow these simple rules from the British Fireworks Association.

While most people enjoy fireworks responsibly, in the wrong hands they can cause injury and damage to property. Fireworks are explosives and as such should be treated with respect and only used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and the firework safety code. Also lighting bonfires in back gardens present significant risks to residents.

THE FIREWORK CODE

ALWAYS FOLLOW THE FIREWORK CODE

* Do not buy fireworks from UNLICENCED retailers.
These fireworks may be unsafe and illegal.
* Only buy fireworks that comply with current safety standards. *
* Always keep fireworks in a closed box.
Take them out one at a time and close the box.
* Never put fireworks in your pocket.
* Be considerate. Let your neighbours know you will be having a display, especially if they are elderly or they have pets or children.
* Avoid setting fireworks off late at night, particularly if it is a school-night.
* Ensure your pets are safe.
* Carefully follow the instructions on EACH firework.
* Never go back to a lit firework unless the instructions advise otherwise.
* Never throw fireworks; it is dangerous.
* Light fireworks one at a time, at the end of the fuse, and at arm’s length.
* Light sparklers one at a time and wear suitable gloves, even when lighting them and once used, place in a bucket of water.
* Never give sparklers to a child under the age of 5.
* Never throw spent fireworks on a bonfire.

STAY SAFE, BE CONSIDERATE, AND DON’T BECOME A NUISANCE.

Fireworks and the law

It is an offence for anyone under the age of 18 to possess fireworks in public places, and an offence for anyone, other than a firework professional, to possess professional display fireworks.

Police have the power to issue fixed penalty notices to those under the age of 18 caught with fireworks in a public place.

It is illegal to set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am. On November 5th displays can continue until midnight, and on certain occasions, such as New Year’s Eve, Diwali, and Chinese New Year, fireworks can be set off until 1am.

Bonfire safety

We would urge people to think twice about having a bonfire. 

Lighting a bonfire in a garden presents significant risks to residents if they get out of hand. Not only this, but the smoke can also aggravate neighbours with respiratory problems.  

If you do decide to have a bonfire, please follow our top five tips: 

1. Build your bonfire well clear of buildings, garden sheds, fences and hedges 
2. Never use flammable liquids to start a bonfire, and never burn dangerous items such as aerosol cans, paint tins, foam furniture, or batteries 
3. Don’t leave bonfires unattended. An adult should supervise it until it has burnt out. If it has to be left, damp it down with plenty of water 
4. Always keep a bucket of water or a hosepipe nearby in case of fire 
5. Check the weather – avoid lighting bonfires in high winds.