Choose organised displays for bigger, better and safer bonfire night

With Bonfire Night approaching, firefighters are sharing key safety advice and advising residents to attend an organised bonfire or fireworks display.

Find a local display with Visit Lincolnshire.

David Lynch, area manager for prevention and protection at Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, said: “Bonfire night can be great fun, but it’s important that safety is the top priority.

“Our advice for anyone wanting to get the most out of the night, is to attend an organised display. They’re often bigger and better than what you can achieve at home, and the organisers handle all the safety aspects so you can sit back, relax and enjoy with your family and friends.

“If you are looking to host something yourself, planning and preparation make a huge difference in avoiding any unfortunate incidents.

“In terms of fireworks, buying your fireworks from reputable retailers and following the guidance on the packaging is key. It’s important to remember than even UKCA/CE marked fireworks can go wrong, so you should never return to a firework once its lit.

“With bonfires, only untreated wood and dedicated bonfire materials should be burnt. Rubbish, aerosols, batteries, painted wood, and the like could cause explosions or release harmful chemicals to you and the environment.

“Look to build it well away from anything that could catch light, like fences, hedges, trees, washing lines. Make sure to keep it to a sensible, manageable size, and keep water or sand nearby just in case.

“Ultimately, the safest way to enjoy bonfire night is to leave it to the professionals. Attending an organised displays drastically reduce the risk of injuries, fires and accidents, and let’s you enjoy the night in that knowledge.”

Key bonfire night safety advice

Building a safe bonfire

• Build bonfires well away from buildings, fences, hedges, trees and overhead cables.
• Keep bonfires to a sensible, manageable size.
• Never leave a bonfire unattended.
• Keep water, a hosepipe, bucket of sand or other extinguishing equipment nearby.
• Build bonfires as close as possible to lighting them and check for wildlife before ignition.

What can and can't be burned

• Only burn untreated wood and suitable bonfire materials.
• Avoid treated or painted wood, which can release harmful chemicals.
• Never burn aerosols, batteries, tyres, plastics, gas canisters, paint tins, foam furniture or household waste.
• If in doubt, leave it out.

Buying Fireworks Safely

• Purchase fireworks only from reputable retailers.
• Check for CE or UKCA safety markings.
• Ensure fireworks include clear instructions and safety information.
• Avoid untested or illegally sold fireworks.

Firework safety on the night

• Read and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• Keep spectators at the recommended safety distance.
• Only light one firework at a time.
• Never return to a firework that has failed to ignite.
• Keep water or sand nearby for emergencies.
• Allow spent fireworks to cool completely before disposal.
• Avoid alcohol if you are responsible for lighting fireworks.