Bonfire Night Safety Advice

Bonfire night is fast approaching. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have released the following fireworks and bonfire safety advice to make sure everyone has a safe and fun night.


Fireworks Code

The SFRS recommend attending organised public firework displays. But
if you do purchase fireworks, be safe and always follow the fireworks code:

Only adults should deal with setting up firework displays, the lighting of fireworks and the safe disposal
of fireworks once they have been used (and remember, alcohol and fireworks don’t mix!). Children
and young people should be supervised, and watch and enjoy fireworks at a safe distance.

  1. Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable, and ensure it finishes before 11pm.
  2. Only buy fireworks with which carry the CE mark, keep them in a closed metal box – take them out one at a time.
  3. Follow the instructions on each firework – read them in daylight or by torchlight, never by a naked flame.
  4. Light the firework at arm’s length with a taper and stand well back.
  5. Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks.
  6. Never return to a firework once it has been lit – even if it hasn’t gone off it could still explode.
  7. Don’t put fireworks in pockets and never throw them.
  8. Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators.
  9. Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire.
  10. Make sure that the fire is out and surroundings are made safe before leaving

Sparklers

Sparklers burn at 1000°C-1600°C, at least 10 times the temperature of boiling water. If you are using them always:

  • Supervise children with sparklers and never give them to a child under five.
  • Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves.
  • Put used sparklers hot end down into a bucket of sand or water.

Bonfire Safety Advice

  • Never drink alcohol if you are tending a bonfire or setting off fireworks – remember it is an offence to consume alcohol in a public place.
  • To reduce the emission of harmful smoke and combustion products bonfires should comprise of untreated wood and paper based materials only.
  • There is a danger of explosion from pressurised containers or sealed vessels amongst bonfire material or irresponsibly thrown on burning bonfires.
  • Never throw fireworks on bonfires.
  • Never use flammable liquids to ignite bonfires – use proprietary fire lighters.
  • Smoke from bonfires must not pose a public nuisance, affect visibility on roads or otherwise inconvenience vehicles.
  • Sparks, flying embers or burning debris must not endanger nearby property.
  • Never leave a burning/smouldering bonfire unsupervised – make sure it is completely extinguished.

Please also remember to follow the latest Scottish Government advice to ensure you remain safe from Coronavirus.

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