How to celebrate Bonfire Night safely

Bonfire Night, or Guy Fawkes Night, is celebrated by many of us each year on 5th November. While Bonfire Night can be fun, it’s important to celebrate the occasion as safely as possible.

It’s encouraged to attend an organised display if you can, but if you want to enjoy Bonfire Night at home, read our guidance below on how to celebrate safely.

Fireworks:

• Closely follow the instructions on each firework you use
• Keep fireworks inside a closed box
• Do not buy fireworks from unlicensed retailers as they may be unsafe
• Never approach a firework that has been lit – even if it hasn’t gone off, it could still explode
• Always supervise children around fireworks
• Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks

Sparklers:

• Light sparklers one at a time
• Wear gloves when holding a sparkler and keep it at arms length
• Always supervise children with sparklers
• Don’t wave sparklers too close to other people
• When you have finished with the sparkler, extinguish it in a bucket of water

Bonfires:

• Build your bonfire away from sheds, fences, trees, or other objects that could catch fire
• Don’t pour petrol, paraffin or other flammable liquids on the fire
• Keep a bucket of water nearby in case of an emergency
• Ensure the fire is extinguished – pour water on it rather than leaving it to burn out
• Don’t discard fireworks on bonfires, as there may be gunpowder still in them.

Please remember that the extended cut-off for setting off fireworks on Bonfire Night is midnight. On other nights, you must not set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, as this is against the law. Read more about fireworks and the law.

For more information on fireworks and how to celebrate safely, visit the British Fireworks Association.