Fireworks night safety
As a council we have pledged to take local action to encourage everyone to consider the impact of fireworks on animal welfare and vulnerable people in the district. We'll be promoting the use of quieter fireworks and asking you to be considerate if you are having a bonfire.
We also recommend that you do not use sky lanterns or helium balloons to celebrate events.
Stay safe with fireworks
To stay safe with fireworks you should:
- only buy fireworks marked CE
- not drink alcohol if setting off fireworks
- keep fireworks in a closed non-flammable box
- follow the instructions on each firework
- light them at arm's length, using a taper
- stand well back
- never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it hasn't gone off, it could still explode
- never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them
- always supervise children around fireworks
- light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves
- never give sparklers to a child under 5
- keep pets indoors
- not set off noisy fireworks late at night and never after 11pm
Find more information about bonfire and firework safety on the ECFRS website.
Avoiding injuries
Despite annual safety warnings, firework celebrations still end in painful injuries for too many people, including very young children. Read the ROSPA advice on firework safety.
Organising firework displays
Firework displays should be enjoyable and spectacular occasions - but they obviously need some responsible planning.
Guidance
Find guidance organising firework displays from the Health and Safety Executive to help you.
ROSPA have also produced some factsheets on how to safely hold a firework display either privately or professionally.
Stay safe with bonfires
If you are going to build a bonfire or create a display in your garden, make sure you follow some simple rules.
To stay safe with bonfires you should:
- 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
Guidance
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.
Useful resources
We have put together some advice and guidance to help everyone to stay safe on fireworks
Sky lanterns and helium balloon release
Be safe, not sorry, this bonfire night
Fireworks and the law
