Fireworks, beacons and bonfire advice

Keep safe if you are lighting a beacon for the Coronation

You may need to take special safety precautions if you are having a beacon event.

The government has put together some guidance for holding beacon events on GOV.UK.
 

Keep safe with bonfires and fireworks

GOV.UK has guidance on celebrating with bonfires and fireworks.  This sets out a few simple measures that can help you celebrate with bonfires safely.

It includes safety tips for hosting and enjoying your own safe fireworks party, and on having a safe bonfire, as well as what to consider if you are attending an organised fireworks display.

If you are going to build a bonfire or create a display in your garden, make sure you follow some simple rules.

For bonfires:

• check the bonfire before lighting to ensure no animals or small children are nearby
• keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby in case of emergencies
• don't have a fire near fences, trees and buildings: as a rule of thumb, the bonfire should be a minimum of five times its height from property
• don't use petrol or paraffin to get the fire going as it may get out of control quickly
• don't burn aerosols, tyres, canisters or anything containing foam or paint - many produce toxic fumes and some containers may explode, causing injury
• only burn dry material: damp material causes more smoke
• don't ever leave a fire unattended
• if a bonfire gets out of control, move a safe distance away and call the Fire and Rescue Service immediately by dialling 999

For fireworks, always follow the Firework Code safety rules:

• light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves
• never give sparklers to a child under five
• only buy fireworks marked BS 7114 or CE marked     
• keep fireworks in a closed box
• follow the instructions on each firework
• light them at arm's length using a taper
• stand well back
• never go back to a lit firework
• never put fireworks in your pocket
• never throw fireworks
• keep pets indoors

Make sure you buy fireworks from a reputable shop or dealer.
 

Health and Safety Executive advice on organising firework displays

Firework displays should be enjoyable and spectacular occasions - but they obviously need some responsible planning. The good news is that there is straightforward guidance from the Health and Safety Executive to help you.
 

ROSPA advice on firework safety

Despite annual safety warnings, firework celebrations still end in painful injuries for too many people, including very young children. Read the ROSPA advice and the firework code.
 

Holding a fireworks display?

ROSPA have produced a range of factsheets to find out how to safely hold a firework display either privately or professionally.
 

GOV.UK guide to celebrating with bonfires and fireworks

This GOV.UK guide sets out a few simple measures that can help you celebrate with bonfires safely. It includes safety tips for hosting and enjoying your own safe fireworks party, and on having a safe bonfire, as well as what to consider if you are attending an organised fireworks display.

Celebrating with bonfires and fireworks: a community guide to organising bonfires and fireworks
 

Garden bonfires: the rules

There are laws about burning certain types of waste and to prevent bonfires causing a nuisance. GOV.UK has information on what you can and cannot do.

We have also put together some guidance on how to have a safe bonfire.