Bonfire Night is a fantastic time of year, bringing families and friends together to enjoy fireworks, sparklers and cosy autumn evenings. But while the colourful displays are exciting, it’s important not to forget about fire safety.
Every year, accidents involving fireworks, bonfires and household fires can result in serious injuries and damage to property. A few simple precautions can make all the difference in keeping your home, family and visitors safe.
At Bath & West Fire & Safety Ltd., we believe prevention is always better than cure. With over 30 years of experience in fire detection, protection and prevention, we’re sharing our top tips to help you enjoy a safe and happy Bonfire Night.
1. Check Your Smoke Alarms Before the Celebrations Begin
One of the most important things you can do to protect your home is make sure your smoke alarms are working properly.
Before Bonfire Night:
- Test all your smoke alarms to ensure they are working.
- Check that alarms are installed on every level of your home.
- Replace batteries where necessary.
- Never remove batteries or disable an alarm because of cooking smoke or other temporary disturbances.
- Consider installing a heat alarm in your kitchen.
A working smoke alarm provides an early warning, giving you and your family valuable time to escape if a fire starts.
Remember, smoke alarms should be tested regularly, not just on Bonfire Night!
2. Be Careful with Candles and Open Flames
As the evenings get darker, many households enjoy creating a cosy atmosphere with candles, lanterns and decorative lighting.
However, naked flames can quickly become a fire hazard.
Always:
- Keep candles away from curtains, furniture, decorations and other combustible materials.
- Never leave a burning candle unattended.
- Keep candles out of reach of children and pets.
- Extinguish candles before going to bed or leaving a room.
- Consider using battery-operated candles as a safer alternative.
A small flame can quickly become a much bigger problem if left unattended.
3. Firework Safety Starts with Preparation
If you’re planning to enjoy fireworks at home, safety should always come first.
We recommend attending an organised public display wherever possible, as these are generally much safer than private displays.
If you are having fireworks at home:
- Only purchase fireworks from reputable, registered retailers.
- Look for the appropriate UKCA or CE safety marking.
- Store fireworks in a closed box and take them out one at a time.
- Follow the instructions carefully.
- Light fireworks at arm’s length using a taper.
- Keep spectators at a safe distance.
- Never return to a firework once it has been lit, even if it appears not to have gone off.
- Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them.
- Keep a bucket of water nearby.
Never allow children to handle fireworks, and make sure a responsible adult is in charge of the display.
4. Take Extra Care with Sparklers
Sparklers may look harmless, but they burn at extremely high temperatures and can cause serious burns.
To enjoy them safely:
- Never give sparklers to children under five.
- Always supervise older children.
- Wear gloves when handling sparklers.
- Light sparklers one at a time.
- Keep them away from other people, clothing and flammable materials.
- Place used sparklers in a bucket of water immediately.
Never underestimate how hot a sparkler can become!
5. Keep Bonfires Under Control
If you’re planning a bonfire in your garden, make sure it is positioned well away from your home, sheds, fences, trees and other buildings.
Remember these important precautions:
- Never use petrol, paraffin or other flammable liquids to start a fire.
- Never burn aerosols, batteries, paint tins or foam-filled furniture.
- Keep children and pets well away from the fire.
- Never leave a bonfire unattended.
- Keep a bucket of water or a hosepipe nearby.
- Check the bonfire for hidden animals before lighting it.
- Make sure the fire is completely extinguished before leaving it.
If possible, consider attending an organised bonfire event instead.
6. Don’t Forget Your Pets and Neighbours
Fireworks can be frightening for pets and disruptive for neighbours, particularly young children and elderly residents.
Let your neighbours know in advance if you’re planning fireworks, keep pets indoors and close windows and curtains to help reduce noise and flashes.
Being considerate of those around you is another important part of celebrating safely.
7. Make Sure Your Home Has a Fire Safety Plan
Bonfire Night is also a great opportunity to think about your household’s general fire safety arrangements.
Does everyone in your home know what to do if a fire breaks out?
Make sure:
- Everyone knows their escape route.
- Hallways and exits are kept clear.
- Door and window keys are easy to find.
- Everyone knows where to meet outside.
- Smoke alarms are working.
- You know when and how to call 999.
If a fire does occur, get everyone out, stay out and call 999. Never put yourself at risk trying to tackle a fire.
Stay Safe This Bonfire Night with Bath & West Fire & Safety Ltd.
Bonfire Night should be about making memories, not dealing with preventable accidents.
Taking a little time to check your smoke alarms, review your fire safety equipment and make sure your family knows what to do in an emergency can make a real difference.
At Bath & West Fire & Safety Ltd., we provide professional fire safety services to homeowners, landlords and businesses across Wiltshire and Somerset.
Our services include:
- Fire alarm installation and maintenance.
- Fire extinguishers and servicing.
- Fire risk assessments.
- Emergency lighting.
- PAT testing.
- Fire safety equipment and signage.
- Fire safety training.
Whether you’re looking to improve your home’s fire protection or need professional fire safety support for your business, our experienced team is here to help.
Don’t leave fire safety until it’s too late.
Get in touch with Bath & West Fire & Safety Ltd. today to discuss your fire safety requirements.