Bonfire Night Safety Tips For a Fun and Secure Fireworks Celebration

Bonfire Night is just around the corner and, while we love seeing our community come together for this traditional autumnal celebration, safety remains our top priority. We’ve seen firsthand just how quickly accidents can happen during fireworks displays and bonfire events. That’s why we’ve put together this essential guide to Bonfire Night safety tips to make this Fireworks Night memorable for all the right reasons! 

Whether you’re hosting a gathering or attending a public event, these firework safety precautions will help ensure everyone enjoys the spectacle safely.

How To Plan a Safe Bonfire Night Event

A well-organised fireworks display minimises risk and creates a positive experience for everyone in attendance. With careful planning and by undertaking appropriate risk assessments before your bonfire night event, you’re not just following legal requirements – you’re actively protecting your community and creating an environment where the magic of Bonfire Night can truly shine.

Choosing a Safe Location

Start by choosing a suitable location for your firework display, away from buildings and with plenty of open space. Designate specific areas for spectators, keeping them at a safe distance from the bonfire and from where fireworks will be set off. Be mindful of local wildlife; check bonfire stacks for hedgehogs before lighting, and be sure to notify the relevant farmers before planning a firework event close to livestock.   

Gathering Proper Equipment and Supplies

When preparing for a safe and enjoyable Bonfire Night celebration, gathering the right equipment and supplies is essential. Start with a sturdy metal bucket filled with sand or water for disposing of used sparklers and fireworks. Ensure you have a reliable source of water nearby, such as a garden hose or several large buckets, in case of emergencies. Don’t forget to invest in proper lighting equipment, like long-handled lighters or tapers, to keep a safe distance when igniting fireworks. Eye protection and gloves are must-haves for those handling fireworks. Lastly, keep a well-stocked first aid kit on hand, just in case.  

Firework Safety

A safe environment allows all attendees to relax and fully enjoy the festivities without worry or harm. Make sure you appoint responsible adults to oversee the fireworks lighting and have fire safety equipment readily available. You might also take into consideration the noise and timings of your display, showing respect for your community by giving advance notice to those who might have pets or young children. Following the simple yet vital bonfire night safety tips will help ensure your fireworks celebration is spectacular yet safe, lessening the burden on emergency services during a busy night of the year. 

Buying and Storing Fireworks

When selecting fireworks for your display, ensure that you look for the CE mark, which guarantees compliance with European safety standards. Never use old or substandard fireworks which appear faulty, as they are likely to misfire and cause injury.

Always keep your fireworks in a secure, closed container and handle them one at a time to maintain control. It’s crucial to respect the power of these explosives: never treat them as toys by throwing them or carelessly carrying them in your pockets. 

Setting Up Your Firework Display

When setting up your firework display, safety should be your top priority. Begin by selecting a suitable launch site- this should be a flat, open area free from overhead obstructions and far from buildings, vehicles, and dry vegetation. Secure your fireworks in sturdy launch tubes or on stable platforms to prevent tipping. Arrange your fireworks in the order they’ll be lit, but keep them covered until used to protect them from stray sparks. Set up your lighting equipment, ensuring it allows for quick, controlled ignition from a safe distance. Keep your audience at a safe distance, marking off the spectator area clearly.  

Lighting Fireworks Safely

Each firework comes with specific instructions which should be read carefully and followed to the letter. When it’s time to light a firework, maintain a safe distance by using a taper at arm’s length. Once the firework has been lit, stand back and allow it to do its thing before moving on to lighting the next. 

Dealing with Misfires and Duds

Even seemingly harmless duds can reignite unexpectedly, so treat every misfire with the utmost respect and caution. If a firework fails to ignite or only partially ignites, resist the urge to immediately investigate or relight it. Instead, wait at least 20 minutes before approaching the firework, as it could still be active and potentially dangerous. 

Once you’ve waited, carefully douse the dud firework with water from a bucket or hose, ensuring it’s thoroughly soaked. Never attempt to relight or salvage a misfired firework – it’s simply not worth the risk. For added safety, submerge the soaked dud in a bucket of water overnight before disposing of it properly.  

Cleaning Up and Disposing of Fireworks

Thorough cleanup of fireworks and debris not only prevents fire hazards but also keeps the environment clean and safe for others. Allow fireworks and sparklers to cool completely before handling them. Use a bucket of water to soak any fireworks that didn’t fully ignite or explode to ensure they don’t pose a fire risk. Once cooled and soaked, collect all debris, including paper, plastic, and cardboard remains, using gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges. Dispose of the soaked fireworks in a sturdy plastic bag, and check your local regulations on fireworks disposal, as some areas may have specific guidelines for hazardous materials. Recycle what you can, such as cardboard tubes, but ensure all firework components are properly cooled before placing them in bins. 

Bonfire Safety

The allure of a bonfire on Guy Fawkes Night is undeniable. As darkness falls, the crackling flames become a mesmerising centrepiece, casting a warm glow over excited faces. The bonfire not only serves as a symbolic reminder of the historical events we commemorate but also provides a gathering point for friends and family to share stories, roast marshmallows, and bask in the comforting warmth on a chilly November evening. However, the very qualities that make bonfires so captivating – their size, heat, and unpredictability – also make them potentially dangerous if not managed properly. This is why setting up a bonfire correctly is absolutely essential.

Building a Secure Bonfire

The bonfire should be situated far from buildings, trees, and other flammable structures. A safe distance helps prevent the accidental spread of fire. Build the bonfire with a stable base, using dry materials to ensure it burns efficiently and reduces smoke as this can make viewing the fire difficult and so harder to see if it’s getting out of control. An overly large bonfire can quickly become unmanageable so be sure to keep it to a reasonable size that you can control.

Checking for Wildlife Before Lighting

Bonfire Night falls during a time when many animals are preparing for or entering hibernation. A quiet, dark pile of leaves and wood can seem like an ideal winter refuge to them. If your bonfire has been laid for a while, then small creatures such as hedgehogs, mice, frogs and even pet cats may have taken up refuge in your warm woody pile. To check a bonfire, carefully lift the material from the base of the pile with a pole or broom handle. Do this gently and systematically, working your way around and up the pile. If you find any animals, carefully relocate them to a safe, sheltered spot away from the bonfire area.

Maintaining a Safe Distance

Bonfires generate intense heat that can cause burns or ignite clothing and hair. Keeping a safe distance minimises the risk of injury from direct exposure to heat and keeps you and your family safe from harm. As bonfires burn, they can release hot embers that may float into the air and land on people or nearby structures so maintaining a safe distance is a foolproof bonfire night safety tip that can help you to enjoy the celebrations risk-free. Bonfire night can attract large crowds, and maintaining distance can help prevent overcrowding and the risk of accidents or injuries caused by jostling or falling into the fire.

Extinguishing the Bonfire Properly

Once your bonfire night celebrations have drawn to a close, it’s important to properly extinguish a bonfire (yes, even if it’s raining!). By following these steps, you can safely extinguish your bonfire and keep everyone happy and safe.

• Start by allowing it to burn down to ashes as much as possible to reduce the amount of material that needs to be extinguished. 
• Gather materials such as a bucket or hose of water, a shovel, and a fire extinguisher if available. Gradually pour water over the remaining coals and ashes, starting from the outside and moving inward, while being cautious of steam and hot embers. 
• Use the shovel or rake to mix the wet ashes and coals thoroughly, ensuring that all hot spots are cooled down. 
• Continue this process until the entire pile is cool to the touch, checking for warmth by feeling near the ashes with the back of your hand. 
• Once completely cool, dispose of the ashes responsibly, ensuring they don’t end up in a combustible container or near flammable materials, and monitor the area for several hours afterwards to prevent any re-ignition.

Keeping Children and Pets Safe

Children and pets are naturally curious, making them more likely to approach the fire or stray too close to fireworks which puts them at risk. Gently explaining bonfire night safety tips to children in an age-appropriate manner (such as by showing them the bonfire night safety tip video with Fireman Sam!) will keep your little ones safe and ensure a happy and safe bonfire night for all. 

Supervising Children Around Fireworks and Bonfires

Set clear boundaries that define a safe area away from the bonfire and fireworks, ensuring children understand where they can play and where they should not go. Assign an adult to be the designated supervisor for each child and don’t let kids wander, making sure that they are within arms’ reach of an adult at all times. 

Safe Alternatives for Young Children

The bangs and whistles produced by fireworks can be frightening for both children and pets alike. Ensuring they are in a safe environment can help alleviate their fears. Consider giving nervous children sound-reducing headphones which will muffle the noises and keep kids feeling protected and more confident. If young children are worried about fireworks, watch the night sky safely from the comfort of your bedroom window where children can watch the beauty of the fireworks away from the hustle and bustle of public displays.  

Protecting Pets During the Celebrations

Fireworks can be terrifying for pets as they don’t understand what is happening and the noise and flashing displays can often overwhelm them, sending them into panic mode. Before the fireworks begin, bring your pets inside to prevent them from running away or getting hurt. Close windows, doors, and curtains to minimise noise and visual stimuli. Pets often mirror the emotions of their owners, so remaining calm and acting normally can reassure them that there’s nothing to fear. Set up a quiet, cosy space where your pet feels safe and secure. Use familiar items like their bed, toys, or blankets, and consider playing soft music or white noise to drown out the fireworks. Never take pets to fireworks displays- the loud noises and crowds can be overwhelming for animals, even in outdoor settings.

First Aid and Emergency Preparation

By being prepared, you can enjoy Bonfire Night knowing you’re ready to act swiftly and keep everyone safe. Having a basic knowledge of first aid can make all the difference. Make sure you have a well-stocked first aid kit on hand, including essentials like bandages, burn ointments, and antiseptic wipes.

It’s also wise to know how to treat minor burns or injuries – cooling a burn under cold water for at least 10 minutes can help reduce damage and make a real difference in how the burn heals. 

In case of more serious accidents, such as severe burns or fireworks-related injuries, don’t hesitate to call 999 for emergency assistance. It’s important to know your exact location and have clear access for emergency services if needed. 

Conclusion

Wherever you choose to enjoy your fireworks display this November 5th, have fun and be safe. Here at Cornwall Air Ambulance, we are ready to respond to those who are critically ill or injured 19 hours a day, 365 days a year, but we’d rather you didn’t need us (!). So be sure to remember our bonfire night safety tips so that the celebrations go without a hitch.

If you’d like to use this Bonfire Night to give back to a worthy cause that helps keep our community in Cornwall safe, then discover all the ways you can support Cornwall Air Ambulance here.