Email - 
Call now - 
As 5th November approaches, people around the UK are getting ready for bonfires and firework displays to celebrate Guy Fawkes Night. To make sure everyone has a fun, safe, and lawful evening, here are some essential safety tips to keep in mind when building and enjoying your bonfire.
1. Check with your local council for any regulations surrounding bonfires in your area. Some councils restrict bonfires to designated areas or have size limits to prevent hazards. If you’re in a public space, ensure you have permission to hold the bonfire.
2. Have your bonfire away from buildings, fences, trees, and overhead wires. Ideally, your fire should be at least 18 metres (60 feet) away from any structures or flammable items. Always have a clear escape path around the fire to ensure everyone can move away safely if needed.
3. Only burn clean, dry wood. Avoid materials like rubber, plastics, or painted wood, as these can release toxic fumes when burned. Adding petrol or other accelerants is extremely dangerous and illegal for bonfire use. Stick to dry wood and paper to start your fire.
4. Keep buckets of water, a hose, or sand nearby to quickly extinguish the fire if it gets out of hand. It’s also a good idea to have a fire extinguisher on hand for added safety.
5. Keep children and pets at a safe distance from the fire and ensure they are always supervised. Consider setting up a specific boundary around the bonfire that no one should cross, helping everyone to stay safely out of reach of any sparks or embers.
6. Wildlife often shelters in wood piles, so check your bonfire for animals like hedgehogs before lighting it. If possible, build the bonfire on the day you intend to light it to avoid harming any wildlife that may take shelter in it overnight.
7. Let the ashes cool overnight and dispose of them safely the next day. Make sure the bonfire area is thoroughly cold before leaving it unattended, as residual heat can pose a risk.
By following these guidelines, you’ll help make this Guy Fawkes Night a safe and enjoyable one for everyone involved. Remember, a little extra preparation can go a long way in keeping your celebration legal and hazard-free. Enjoy the night, stay safe, and let’s keep the tradition fun for everyone!
