Fire Safety Tips For Bonfire Night And What To Do If Something Goes Wrong

Bonfire Night is a highlight of the autumn, but it is also one of the busiest nights of the year for fire services. A few simple steps can keep your family, your neighbours and your property safe. This guide covers what to do before the night, on the night and if something goes wrong.

Going to a public display is safest

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is at an organised display run by trained people. If you do hold your own, plan it carefully.

Before the night

• Buy safe fireworks. Only buy from a licensed seller and check the fireworks carry a UK or CE safety mark. Keep them in a closed box.
• Pick the right spot. Choose a large, flat, open area. Keep it away from sheds, fences, trees, hedges, overhead cables, cars and your house.
• Tell your neighbours. Warn them so they can bring pets in and prepare.
• Keep pets and animals safe. Keep cats and dogs indoors with the windows and curtains closed. Check the garden for animals, such as hedgehogs, before you light a bonfire.
• Get your kit ready. You need a bucket of water, a hose, a torch, eye protection and gloves.

Bonfire safety

1. Build it well away from buildings, fences and trees.
2. Do not light it on a windy night.
3. Never use petrol, paraffin or other flammable liquids to start or boost a fire.
4. Never burn aerosols, cans, foam furniture or painted or treated wood. They give off toxic fumes or can explode.
5. Keep children and pets well back.
6. Never leave a bonfire alone.
7. Keep a hose or water source close by.
8. When it is over, soak the ashes with water and make sure it is fully out.

Firework safety

1. Keep one person in charge of lighting. This person should stay sober.
2. Follow the instructions on every firework.
3. Light fireworks at arm's length, one at a time, and stand well back.
4. Never go back to a firework that has been lit. Even if it looks dead, it can go off.
5. Keep the rest of the fireworks in a closed box away from the fire.
6. Never put fireworks in your pocket.
7. Keep spectators at a safe distance, behind a barrier if you can.
8. When the display is over, soak used fireworks in a bucket of water overnight before putting them in the bin.

Sparklers

Sparklers feel harmless, but they burn at around 1,000°C. Young children should not hold them. For older children:

• always supervise them closely
• give them gloves
• hold sparklers at arm's length and well away from others
• put used sparklers in a bucket of water, as the metal stays hot for a while

What to do if something goes wrong

A fire that gets out of control. Get everyone away from it. Call 999. Do not try to put out a large fire yourself. Do not go back for belongings.

A burn or injury. Cool the burn under cool running water for 20 minutes. Take off any clothing or jewellery near the burn, unless it is stuck to the skin. Cover it with cling film or a clean, non-fluffy cloth. Call 999 for serious burns, burns to the face, or any injury to the eyes. Do not use ice, creams or butter.

A firework that does not go off. Do not touch it. Leave it for at least 30 minutes, then soak it in a bucket of water.

A shed, fence or garden fire. If fire has spread to a building, get out, stay out and call 999.

After the fire

Even a small fire can leave soot, smoke and a lingering smell. Fire and smoke can damage walls, ceilings, brickwork and belongings, and the water used to put out a fire can cause damage too. Our fire damage cleaning team clears soot and smoke residue, and our fire and smoke damage service restores affected areas. Read how to clean up after a fire for what to expect.

Soot from fireworks can also stain paving and walls. Our guide on how to remove firework soot from outdoor surfaces will help you clean up safely.

If you run a business, a regular check is part of good practice. Read our guide to fire safety risk assessments in the workplace.

Need help after a fire?

ICE Cleaning works day and night, 365 days a year, with a team on site within hours in an emergency. Call us on 0203 826 8135 or email contactus@icecleaning.co.uk.