Safety advice for Bonfire Night

Chief fire officers from around the country are asking families to be careful this bonfire night.

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is at a publicly organised display. But many will be having their own fireworks party at home. Those that are should bear in mind that last fifth of November, ten per cent of outdoor fires ended up as significant incidents resulting in damage, casualties and rescues by the fire service.

Tips for keeping safe this November

Never build your bonfire too close to overhead cables or nearby property. Bonfires should be 18 metres from buildings, trees, fences, overhead cables and car parking areas.

Bonfires should be no more than 3 metres in height. There should be a suitable barrier around the bonfire to keep spectators 5 metres away.

Always check your bonfire before it is lit, children have been known to build dens inside them.

Do not use petrol, paraffin, diesel, white spirit or methylated spirit to light the bonfire.

Do not burn aerosols, batteries, bottles, foam-filled furniture, tins of paint or tyres.

Keep some buckets of water nearby in case of emergency and to damp down after the event.

Always extinguish your bonfire once your party has finished.

Do not build bonfires on council land or other’s land without without permission from the council or land owner.

If you must have your own fireworks party, leave the lighting of the fireworks to a responsible adult.

Only ever buy fireworks from a reputable retailer.

Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114.

Keep fireworks in a closed metal box, take them out one at a time and put the lid back on.

Follow the instructions on each firework – use a torch to read them.

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 nor throw them.

Keep a bucket of water nearby if you are setting off fireworks in your garden.

Keep pets indoors.

Alcohol and fireworks do not mix and may lead to injury.

Don’t set off noisy fireworks late at night and never after 11.00pm

After the display

Use tongs or gloves to collect spent fireworks, they might still be hot enough to burn

In an emergency

Cool the burn or scald with cold water for at least 10 minutes

Don’t touch the burn or pull away any material stuck to it

Cover the burn with clean, non-fluffy material to prevent infection – cling film is ideal

If clothing catches fire, get the person to stop, drop to the floor and roll them in heavy material, such as a curtain

Seek medical advice