Bonfire Night (5 November) is an occasion celebrated by many around the country. The annual event has been celebrated for hundreds of years, with bonfires and fireworks used to mark the occasion.
As with any event involving fire, it is important to remember to enjoy the occasion as safely as possible, to protect yourself as well as your family, home and community. We encourage customers to enjoy one of the many free Bonfire Night events throughout the region, but if you are planning on enjoying yourself at home, take a look at our advice for celebrating Bonfire Night safely below.
Fireworks
- If a firework has been lit but has not gone off, you should not approach it as it could still explode.
- Keep a bucket of water nearby.
- Carefully follow instructions on how to light fireworks.
- You should only buy fireworks marked BS 7114, which is the British Standard for the safety of fireworks, or CE, which is the European safety standard.
- Fireworks should never be lit inside.
- Do not drink alcohol if you are setting off fireworks.
Bonfires
- Make sure there are not any objects nearby that could catch fire.
- Ensure you are not wearing flammable clothing near the bonfire.
- Do not pour petrol or other flammable liquids or substances on the fire.
- Ensure the fire is extinguished after the celebration.
- Do not discard fireworks on bonfires, as there may be gunpowder still in them.
Sparklers
- Children should be supervised at all times with sparklers.
- Use a bucket of water to extinguish sparklers.
- Gloves should be worn when handling sparklers, as well as a long sleeve to cover skin.
For more information on staying safe in and around your home, visit Your safety.