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  2. Bonfire and Firework Safety
Close up of lit sparkler against blue dusky sky

Bonfire and Firework Safety

Many people enjoy bonfires and fireworks during the winter months, but it's important to take extra caution to avoid any accidents or injuries when having a bonfire or using fireworks at home. 

 

Bonfire Safety

  • Site the bonfire well away from houses, garages, sheds, fences, overhead cables, trees and shrubs
  • Never leave the bonfire burning unattended
  • Build the stack so that it is stable and will not collapse outwards or to one side
  • NEVER use flammable liquids, such as paraffin or petrol, to light the fire
  • Don't burn foam-filled furniture, aerosols, tins of paint and bottles
  • Keep everyone away from the fire, especially children who must be supervised at all times
  • Pour water on the embers before leaving
Bonfire burning in the dark
 

Fireworks Code

  • Only buy fireworks marked CE
  • Don’t drink alcohol if you're responsible for setting off fireworks
  • Keep fireworks in a closed non-flammable box
  • Follow the instructions on each firework
  • Light them at arm’s length, using a taper
  • Stand well back
  • Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it hasn’t gone off, it could still explode
  • Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them
  • Always supervise children around fireworks
  • Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves
  • Never give sparklers to a child under five
  • Keep pets indoors
  • Don’t set off noisy fireworks late at night and never after 11pm
Pink and orange fireworks fill blue dusky sky
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Essex County Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters

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Rivenhall
Witham
Essex
CM8 3HB

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