If you’re planning a Bonfire Night get-together at home, follow this expert guide for safe and enjoyable family fun!
Make the best memories this bonfire night by following the Bonfire & Fireworks Code.
6 safety tips for home bonfires
- A desirable spot for a bonfire should be sheltered from the wind and far away from any obstacles such as fences, sheds or trees.
- A stable ‘teepee’ of light wood, on a bed of tinder (twigs and grass), in a shallow pit is the ideal construction for a family bonfire, with gaps left for oxygen to ventilate the flames.
- To light the fire and get the party started, it is recommended to check for animals hiding inside and then simply drop a match into the centre of the bonfire.
- Never use flammable liquids or throw items into the flames that you are trying to get rid of. In particular, avoid paraffin or petrol, aerosols, bottles, tins or furniture.
- Once the bonfire is lit, everyone, especially children, should remain at a safe distance and there must be water on hand (either buckets or a hose) in case the flames get out of control.
- Later, once the party is finished, it is also important to douse and bury the embers.
A spokesman from GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk said: “A private bonfire can really make your garden stand out from the neighbours’ parties, but things can easily go wrong if you are inexperienced. As with any outdoor project, the foundations are crucial. Digging a pit of a few inches, and slightly wider than your intended bonfire, will contain the flames. This must be sheltered from the wind and located away from any buildings, plants or trees, and especially any wooden fences or sheds, which could accidentally catch fire too.
A bonfire should be carefully constructed in the shape of a teepee, to make sure it doesn’t fall over.
“Please remember to check for hedgehogs before lighting a match. Shrubbery will help get the larger logs burning, but don’t be tempted by flammable liquids such as paraffin or petrol. They are dangerous accelerants and should never be used on bonfires. The temptation to throw cans of deodorant, bottles of beer or anything else onto the bonfire should also always be avoided. I would recommend keeping a source of water or fire extinguisher close by, in case of any emergency.”
Want to enjoy a firepit in your garden? Try our Firepit guide
9 safety tips for garden firework displays
According to the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service, it is always best to go to an organised Bonfire Night firework displays where health and safety rules will be strictly observed. However, if you do decide to light fireworks at home, these rules will help keep everyone safe.
- When you’ve bought your fireworks (category F2 and F3 only for home use), place them safely in a metal box.
- At home, one adult should be responsible for lighting the fireworks, rather than multiple people.
- Family and guests should stand well back from where the fireworks will be lit – at least 8 metres from F2 fireworks, and 25 metres for F3 fireworks.
- The person responsible for the fireworks should wear gloves and eye protection and should not have consumed any alcohol.
- Take one firework at a time from the metal box, set it according to instructions and light at arms length with a taper. Only when this firework has successfully launched or extinguished should the next firework be taken from the metal box.
- Have a bucket full of earth on hand for any used fireworks or sparklers.
- If a firework is lit but doesn’t immediately go off, do not return to the firework to check on it. It could still explode. Leave it for 20 minutes then submerge it in water.
- Keep all pets indoors. Fireworks can frighten animals.
- Never throw spent or live fireworks into your bonfire, and never store them in a pocket ready to light.
