South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue - Working For a Safer South Yorkshire

Fireworks/Bonfires

Firework

Fireworks

Fireworks cause hundreds of injuries every year. You can reduce accidents by following the Firework Safety Code:

• Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114
• Don't drink alcohol if using fireworks
• Keep fireworks in a closed box
• Follow the instructions on each firework carefully
• Light them at arm's length using a suitable taper
• Stand well back
• Never go back to a lit firework
• Never put fireworks in your pocket
• Never throw fireworks
• Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves
• Never give sparklers to children under five
• Keep pets indoors

Bonfires

If you are planning on having a bonfire, whether it is to get rid of garden waste or as part of a celebration, always make sure personal safety is a priority. Follow the simple tips below to make sure you keep yourself and others safe:

Building a bonfire:

  • Build the bonfire away from sheds, fences and  trees
  • Check there are no cables, such as telephone wires, above the fire
  • Don't build the bonfire too big and make sure the stack you are burning is stable
  • Don't burn anything which could produce toxic fumes, such as tyres, foams and plastics
  • Ensure that canisters, aerosols and paint are not put in the fire – these could explode and cause injury
  • Remove all rubbish from the area around the bonfire –if any sparks fly out of the fire it could ignite it
  • Check the bonfire before lighting it –piles of garden waste are often used as refuge by hibernating wildlife
  • Don't use petrol or paraffin to get the bonfire going. It could get out of control quickly

Bonfire Safety Tips:

  • Keep a bucket of water, or garden hose, nearby in case of emergencies 
  • Don't leave the bonfire unattended
  • Don't let children and pets get too close to the fire
  • Don't throw fireworks on to the fire
  • When the fire has died down, spray the embers with water to stop it reigniting