Celebrate Bonfire Night safely and be aware of your impact
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service is encouraging people to celebrate Bonfire Night safely and responsibly with consideration for the local community.
The safest way to enjoy fireworks is at an organised display; anyone planning a celebration at home are urged to only use suitable fireworks and follow the Firework Code.
Fireworks are explosives and can cause serious burns, eye injuries and fires when misused. They can also cause distress to neighbours, vulnerable people, pets, livestock and wildlife.
Residents holding a home display are encouraged to let neighbours know in advance and to consider how far the noise and debris may travel.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards’ ‘Think Beyond Your Garden, Know Your Impact’ campaign asks people hosting private displays to consider how fireworks may affect the wider community.
Unexpected fireworks can be particularly difficult for veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder, people with anxiety or dementia, and autistic adults and children with sensory sensitivities.
Colin Sutherland, Lead Community Safety Officer at North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said:
“As communities across North Yorkshire prepare to celebrate Bonfire Night, we’re reminding everyone to enjoy fireworks responsibly and take simple steps to keep themselves and others safe. We would always encourage people to attend organised firework displays where possible. If you are planning your own display, make sure you follow the Firework Code, buy fireworks from reputable retailers, keep them in a closed box, and use them one at a time.
“Fireworks can cause serious injuries if they are misused, and they can also lead to fires and distress within local communities. We all have a part to play in keeping our communities safe. Please look out for your friends, neighbours, pets and vulnerable people so that everyone can enjoy the celebrations safely and responsibly.”
Planning a home firework display
If you are using fireworks at home:
- Buy them from a reputable retailer and check they carry a UKCA or CE safety marking.
- Make sure the space available is suitable for the category of firework and the safety distance shown on its packaging.
- Keep fireworks in their original packaging or a closed box and use them one at a time.
- Read and follow the instructions on every firework.
- Light fireworks at arm’s length using a taper, then stand well back.
- Keep cigarettes, naked flames and other sources of ignition away from fireworks.
- Never return to a firework after it has been lit.
- Never put fireworks in pockets or throw them.
- Direct rockets well away from spectators, buildings, trees and overhead hazards.
- Leave the lighting of fireworks to a responsible adult.
- Wear gloves when handling sparklers and never give them to a child under five.
- Keep children closely supervised and keep pets safely indoors.
- Have a bucket of water nearby and make sure spent fireworks are completely cool before disposal.
Bonfire safety
Before lighting a bonfire:
- Check carefully for hedgehogs and other wildlife that may have taken shelter inside it.
- Build it well away from homes, sheds, fences, trees, hedges and overhead cables.
- Never use petrol, paraffin or another accelerant to start it.
- Keep children and pets at a safe distance.
- Never leave a lit bonfire unattended.
- Keep water or a hose nearby in case the fire begins to spread.
- Before leaving, make sure the fire is completely out, and the surrounding area is safe.
Organised displays
Details of organised Bonfire Night displays taking place across North Yorkshire are found here https://visitnorthyorkshire.com/events/bonfire-night
Please note that North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service is not responsible for the content of external websites.
Note to editors:
For more information about The Office for Product Safety and Standards’ ‘Think Beyond Your Garden, Know Your Impact’ campaign: Think beyond your garden this firework season – GOV.UK
