Bonfire safety

The holiday season is in full swing, and bonfires and fireworks are a great way to spend the dark nights. 

An organised event is always advised over holding one at home. Not only will you be supporting your local community, but it is the safer option.

If you do choose to have a bonfire or firework display at home, make sure it is well away from buildings, vehicles, trees, hedges, fences, powerlines, telecommunications equipment, and sheds.

Here are our 10 top tips on how to keep you, your home, and others safe.

• Plan your display so that it is safe and enjoyable.
• Only buy fireworks with a CE mark, this means the product is safe to use. Ensure you follow the instructions on each firework.
• Never throw fireworks or sparklers on bonfires, regardless of whether they are used or not.
• Never use flammable liquids to ignite bonfires and avoid lighting in high winds.
• Be considerate of your neighbours. Ensure that smoke doesn’t cause a nuisance or flying embers endanger them or their properties.
• Keep your pets indoors through the evening.
• Children and young people should be supervised and enjoy fireworks from a safe distance.
• Light fireworks at arm’s length using a taper, and never go back to a lit firework. Even if it hasn't gone off, it could still explode.
• Only use untreated wood and paper-based materials. Never burn dangerous items such as aerosol cans, paint tins, foam furniture, or batteries. This reduces the emission of harmful smoke.
• Don’t leave bonfires unattended and always keep a bucket of water or a hosepipe nearby.

After your display, used fireworks should be disposed of by soaking them first. Once soaked for a few hours, place your used fireworks in a plastic bag, and dispose of them in your outdoor general refuse bin. 

At the end of your display, the faulty fireworks should also be soaked, bagged, and binned. You should also make sure that the bonfire is out and that the surroundings are made safe before leaving.

Be sure to enjoy yourself and stay safe.