Every year on November 5, the skies light up with dazzling fireworks displays across the UK.
Many people will soon be gathering their friends and family once again to celebrate Bonfire Night.
Some will be organising a small firework display in their gardens at home or planning to attend a bigger event in the community.
However, if done irresponsibly it can pose serious risks and cause damage to property or significant harm to people.
Misuse of fireworks is #BangOutOfOrder and can have serious consequences, including injuries to yourself or others. Always follow the Firework Code. Find out more 🔽https://t.co/qbgioAIepE pic.twitter.com/dofZM9FpJb
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) October 25, 2023
Sam Jenkinson, garden building expert at Tiger warns of the risks and shares how to safely celebrate Bonfire Night in your garden when it comes to lighting a bonfire and fireworks.
Having a bonfire in your garden? 3 things to consider to keep everyone safe
Choose a safe location
Firstly, choose a site away from anything that could burn, such as wooden fences, sheds or hedges and make sure there are no trees or wires above the bonfire. If it’s a windy day, avoid lighting a bonfire as it could flare up more than you expect.
Firework season is starting, so here's a handy reminder for how to help your dogs during this distressing time for them. ❤️ https://t.co/Fst0YWc9lF#bonfirenight #fireworks #november5th pic.twitter.com/EDpbUp6Ucj
— Forever Hounds Trust (@ForeverHoundsUK) November 1, 2023
Use the correct materials
Only burn dry material, do not burn anything wet or damp as this causes more smoke and never pour petrol or paraffins onto a fire. It’s safer to use fire lighters to prevent flare-ups but make sure to keep a bucket of water or a hosepipe handy in case of an accident.
Don’t leave it unattended
Finally, don't leave bonfires unattended and make sure someone is supervising it until it has burnt out. If it must be left, damp it down with plenty of water, rather than leaving it to burn out on its own.
Firework displays at home - 4 steps to follow to stay safe
Determine the size of your garden
Knowing how much distance you have to work with is important to having a safe display. Choose a spot in the garden for the launch site, making sure there are no overhanging trees and that it’s far away from the house or any outdoor buildings such as a timber shed.
For garden-class fireworks, the recommended safe distance for use is around 10 metres from any property. You also shouldn’t set fireworks off from a decked surface, with a patioed area, pebbled surface, or grass more suitable.
Once decided, measure the maximum distance to where your audience can comfortably stand or sit and watch the display. The distance tells you which category of fireworks you can use in your display.
@ao We've been lighting sparklers wrong all this time 👀 #sparklers #bonfirenight #lifehacks #sparklerhack ♬ ALMOST HOME - Mad Adix, Marc Steinmeier
Select your fireworks
Fireworks are split into different categories depending on the distance they need to be used at. Always check the packaging to make sure they are safe for your measured distance, with the distance always to be considered as a minimum.
If the maximum distance in your garden is less than 8 metres, stock up on category 1 fireworks - these are the least powerful, such as hand-held sparklers. For distances over 8 metres, you can use category 2 and 3 fireworks – these are more powerful, with some having a safe viewing distance of 8 metres and others up to 15 metres.
Prepare your equipment
Preparation is key when you’re planning a display, and you’ll want to have everything ready before the big night. That means setting up firing stations beforehand and making sure you have a safety backup plan if anything goes wrong.
Fireworks should ideally be stored within their packaging in a metal, lockable box, and be kept well away from any naked flames or heat sources. Store them in a cool, dry place, where there are no significant changes in temperature such as a dry shed or garage.
Light your fireworks safely
Securing your fireworks before lighting them is mandatory and even more critical at shorter distances. Follow the instructions on each firework to set them up and fire them, lighting them at arm’s length and then standing well back. Instructions supplied with the fireworks may also contain disposal advice.
Ensure fireworks are positioned upwards towards the sky. Never place them at an angle, as they can fly in the direction of homes or sheds.
If you’re planning to use a Catherine wheel in your display, drive a post into the ground well away from other structures and nail the firework to it. Never nail it to a tree, fence or building like a shed. It needs to be at a height you can reach easily to light it, with the fuse accessible from the ground, so you won’t struggle to light it.
