Seasonal Fire Risks: How to Prepare for Bonfire Night and Fireworks Displays

Person Holding Lighted Sparkler

Bonfire Night, or Guy Fawkes Night, is one of the most celebrated events in the UK, marked by impressive fireworks displays and crackling bonfires. While it’s a fun-filled night for many, it also comes with a higher risk of fires and accidents. Every year, emergency services see a significant increase in fire-related incidents around Bonfire Night due to the mishandling of fireworks, poorly managed bonfires, and a general lack of fire safety awareness.

Whether you’re a homeowner hosting a small gathering or an event organiser planning a larger display, fire safety should be your top priority. Here’s a guide to help you safely manage fire risks during Bonfire Night and other fireworks displays.

 

1. Choose the Right Location for Your Bonfire or Fireworks Display

The location of your bonfire or fireworks display is crucial in preventing accidents and limiting fire risks. Both homeowners and event organisers should take care when selecting a site. Here are some key points to consider:

  • Bonfire Safety:
    Ensure your bonfire is built far away from homes, sheds, fences, trees, and other flammable materials. The UK Fire Service recommends keeping a distance of at least 18 metres (about 60 feet) from any structures. Additionally, make sure the bonfire is built on level ground, away from any overhead cables or lines.
  • Fireworks Safety:
    If you’re organising a fireworks display, ensure the fireworks are set off in a wide-open space with sufficient distance from spectators. The British Pyrotechnists Association recommends a minimum safety distance of 25-50 metres for larger fireworks. Always follow the safety distances stated on the fireworks packaging.

 

2. Bonfire Building Best Practices

Building a bonfire may seem simple, but there are important safety measures to follow to ensure it doesn’t get out of control:

  • Use the Right Materials:
    Only burn dry wood, cardboard, and paper. Avoid burning materials like household rubbish, plastics, or hazardous materials such as batteries, aerosols, and paint cans, which can emit toxic fumes and increase the risk of explosions.
  • Keep It Small:
    Start with a small fire and gradually add to it. Building a bonfire too big from the outset can make it harder to control. If the fire grows too large, it can spread more easily.
  • Guard Against the Wind:
    Before lighting your bonfire, check the weather conditions, particularly the wind speed and direction. Strong winds can cause embers to blow, igniting nearby objects. It’s best to avoid lighting a bonfire in windy conditions altogether.

 

3. Fireworks Handling and Safety

Fireworks are one of the highlights of Bonfire Night, but they are also the main cause of injuries during the celebration. Here’s how to handle them safely:

  • Buy From Reputable Sellers:
    Only purchase fireworks that comply with British safety standards, which are marked with the CE symbol or UKCA mark. These symbols indicate that the fireworks have passed stringent safety tests.
  • Follow the Instructions:
    Carefully read the instructions on each firework before using them. Different types of fireworks (such as rockets, fountains, and Catherine wheels) have specific safety instructions. Never attempt to modify or experiment with fireworks.
  • Light Fireworks Safely:
    Use a taper or a long-handled lighter to ignite fireworks, standing well back as you do so. Never go back to a lit firework, even if it hasn’t ignited properly—wait 20 minutes before carefully soaking it in water.
  • Children and Fireworks:
    Keep children at a safe distance from fireworks and never allow them to handle or ignite any fireworks. Provide ear protection for young children if needed, as the noise can be overwhelming.

 

4. Safety Gear and Equipment to Have On Hand

To minimise the risk of injury and fire spreading, ensure you have the right safety gear and equipment on hand:

  • Water Buckets and Hoses:
    Always have a bucket of water, sand, or a garden hose nearby in case of emergencies. This can help you quickly extinguish small fires before they escalate.
  • Fire Extinguisher:
    If you’re hosting a larger gathering, it’s a good idea to have a fire extinguisher close by, especially near the bonfire or fireworks launch area. A multipurpose extinguisher (Class A for bonfires, Class C for gas and fireworks) is ideal.
  • Protective Clothing:
    Ensure that anyone handling fireworks is wearing suitable clothing—avoid loose garments, and tie back long hair. Wearing gloves and protective eyewear can also reduce the risk of burns or injuries.

 

5. Managing Spectator Safety

For larger fireworks displays, whether you’re a professional organiser or hosting a community event, managing spectator safety is essential:

  • Set Up Barriers:
    Set up barriers or clear markers to keep spectators at a safe distance from both the bonfire and the fireworks launch site. Ensure that this distance complies with safety recommendations from your fireworks supplier.
  • Crowd Control:
    Have designated personnel responsible for crowd management. Make sure there’s a clear plan in place to evacuate people in case of emergency, with fire exits and evacuation routes clearly marked if the event is held in an enclosed area.

 

6. Aftercare: Extinguishing the Bonfire and Dealing With Spent Fireworks

Even after the celebrations are over, fire risks remain, so it’s crucial to properly extinguish bonfires and deal with used fireworks:

  • Bonfire Extinguishing:
    Allow the fire to burn down naturally, but do not leave it unattended. Once the fire has died down, douse the remaining embers with water or soil to ensure it’s fully extinguished. Stir the ashes to ensure no heat remains. Never leave a bonfire smouldering overnight.
  • Disposing of Fireworks:
    Used fireworks can remain hot and potentially dangerous. Soak all spent fireworks in water before disposing of them in a metal bin. Never place used fireworks directly into regular household rubbish bins, as they may still be capable of igniting.

 

7. Know the Legal Requirements

In the UK, there are specific laws regarding the use of fireworks, and it’s important to ensure you’re compliant:

  • Firework Curfew:
    Fireworks must not be set off between 11 pm and 7 am, except on Bonfire Night (when the curfew is extended to midnight), New Year’s Eve, Diwali, and Chinese New Year (when the curfew is 1 am).
  • Restrictions on Firework Sales:
    Fireworks can only be purchased by individuals over the age of 18 and should only be sold by licensed retailers. While it’s legal to use fireworks on private property, you may need permission for public displays.

Bonfire Night and fireworks displays are exciting, but they require careful planning and attention to safety to prevent accidents and fires. Whether you’re celebrating in your garden or hosting a community event, taking the necessary precautions will ensure a safe and enjoyable night for everyone involved. By following the tips above, homeowners and event organisers can significantly reduce fire risks and keep the spirit of Bonfire Night alight, without compromising safety.

Always remember to check with local authorities if additional permits or guidelines apply to your event, and ensure that any safety measures taken are in line with UK laws and fire safety recommendations.