How to stay safe on Bonfire Night

Bonfire Night is a highlight of the autumn calendar, full of fireworks, sparklers, and family gatherings. However, it is also a time when accidents can happen — across the UK, almost 2,000 A&E visits per year are linked to fireworks and related burns. The risks increase dramatically when safety measures are ignored, from burns and eye injuries to accidental fires.

By staying aware and following practical bonfire night safety tips, families can enjoy the celebrations responsibly, and FireAngel is here to provide guidance on both outdoor precautions and smoke alarm safety to protect your home.

Firework safety: Keep your distance and plan ahead

Fireworks bring excitement, but they must be handled responsibly. According to RoSPA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents), the key to fireworks and sparklers safety advice is careful planning and supervision.

Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and only use fireworks outdoors in a clear, open space, well away from buildings, trees, fences, and flammable materials. Maintain a safe distance, generally 10-15 metres for smaller fireworks, and supervise children at all times, explaining the risks before the display. Light fireworks one at a time and ensure they are aimed away from people, pets, and property. After use, fully extinguish fireworks and embers with water or soil to prevent accidental fires.

For full guidance on firework safety, visit RoSPA Fireworks Safety.

Bonfire safety: Prepare your garden and stay in control

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is at an organised public display, where trained professionals handle the setup and fire control. However, if you choose to host a celebration at home, preparation is crucial.

• Build your bonfire in a clear, open space, well away from fences, sheds, trees, and other structures.
• Remove any dry leaves, debris, or flammable materials from the area, and check for wildlife seeking shelter in woodpiles.
• Never use petrol or accelerants to light your bonfire, and always have a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby in case sparks spread.
• Keep spectators upwind of smoke, and supervise children at all times to ensure they stay at a safe distance.

Following these bonfire night fire prevention measures ensures the evening is memorable for fun reasons, not accidents.

Sparklers and safety

Sparklers can burn hotter than 1,000°C, so the safest way to use sparklers with children is under strict supervision.

• Children should always wear gloves and hold sparklers at arm’s length, while adults should explain that they are not toys.
• Avoid giving sparklers to very young children and ensure they never light multiple sparklers at once.
• Once used, place sparklers in a bucket of sand or water until they are fully cooled.

By taking these precautions, families can enjoy one of Bonfire Night’s most popular traditions without injury, while also reinforcing important lessons about fire safety.

Fire safety all year-round

While outdoor safety is essential, protecting your home should not be overlooked. Smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) can enter your home from nearby bonfires or fireworks, and kitchen or heating appliances also pose year-round risks.

Testing your smoke alarm safety and CO alarm home safety before the festivities is crucial. Interlinked smoke alarms provide faster alerts, giving your family precious time to react, while CO alarms protect against invisible, odourless gas from barbecues, heaters, or outdoor fires.

FireAngel’s range of smoke and heat alarms and CO alarms offers reliable, whole-home protection. By combining vigilant outdoor practices with robust home fire prevention, you can enjoy Bonfire Night festivities while safeguarding your household all year.

Bonfire Night should be a time of fun, not danger. By following these fire safety tips for families, including careful handling of fireworks and sparklers, preparing bonfires safely, and ensuring your home is protected with alarms, you can make the evening memorable for all the right reasons.

For more guidance and expert protection, visit our FireAngel Support Hub.