Staying Safe During Bonfire Night
Bonfire Night is a time for celebration, but it's important to keep safety at the heart of your plans. Here are some essential tips and reminders to help you and your family stay safe:
Top Safety Tips!
Attend approved events
We encourage you to attend organised and managed bonfire and firework displays to make sure you can safely enjoy the celebrations.
If you're staying at home
- Keep wheelie bins and combustible materials out of sight and away from the street to prevent them being set alight or used for authorised bonfires.
- Remove any dry vegetation, cardboard, or old furniture from gardens and driveways.
- Secure loose items like garden furniture or decorations that could be used to start a fire.
- Never use petrol, paraffin, or other accelerants to start a bonfire - these can cause fires to get out of control quickly.
- Only burn dry materials to reduce smoke and avoid burning aerosols, foam, or paint, as these can produce toxic fumes or explode.
Bonfire placement
Build your bonfire well away from buildings, sheds, fences, trees, and overhead cables. Always check for wildlife before lighting the fire.
Supervise children and pets
Keep children and pets at a safe distance from the fire and fireworks. Fancy dress costumes can be flammable, so take extra care with children's clothing.
Never leave fires unattended
Once your bonfire is lit, keep a bucket of water or hose nearby in case of emergencies and never leave the fire unattended.
Dispose of fireworks safely
After the display, soak used fireworks in water before disposing of them in a metal bin.
Reporting unsafe behaviour
If you see anyone using illegal fireworks, building unsafe bonfires, or engaging in anti-social behaviour, please report it immediately.
- To report any issues of anti-social behaviour contact us by calling 0808 100 9596
- If the anti-social behaviour puts you, your family or your property in immediate danger, you should contact the Police by calling 999
Further advice
For more home fire safety or arson prevention advice, visit https://www.merseyfire.gov.uk/ or by calling 0800 731 5958.
Remember...
Your safety is our priority. Please enjoy Bonfire Night responsibly, follow all safety guidance, and help keep our communities safe by reporting anything that doesn't feel right.