Bonfire and Firework Safety
Many people enjoy bonfires and fireworks during the winter months, but it's important to take extra caution to avoid any accidents or injuries when having a bonfire or using fireworks at home.
Bonfire Safety
- Site the bonfire well away from houses, garages, sheds, fences, overhead cables, trees and shrubs
- Never leave the bonfire burning unattended
- Build the stack so that it is stable and will not collapse outwards or to one side
- NEVER use flammable liquids, such as paraffin or petrol, to light the fire
- Don't burn foam-filled furniture, aerosols, tins of paint and bottles
- Keep everyone away from the fire, especially children who must be supervised at all times
- Pour water on the embers before leaving
Fireworks Code
- Only buy fireworks marked CE
- Don’t drink alcohol if you're responsible for 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 five
- Keep pets indoors
- Don’t set off noisy fireworks late at night and never after 11pm
