Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service would always recommend that people attend an organised fireworks display, however, we understand that some people will want to have their own private firework display, and while we want people to enjoy themselves, we ask everyone to think how they can Keep Wales Safe during Bonfire Night.
Bonfire Safety
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service would always recommend that people attend an organised fireworks display, however, we understand that some people will want to have their own private firework display, and while we want people to enjoy themselves, we ask everyone to think how they can Keep Wales Safe this Bonfire Night.
Do you really need a bonfire?
It’s much better to manage without one.
Check very carefully that there’s no animal (or even a young child) hidden inside the bonfire. Don’t light it until after all your fireworks have been let off. Keep everyone at a safe distance away, and don’t allow anyone to throw anything onto it.
Download the Bonfire Do's and Don'ts Document.
Is your bonfire safe?
Every year we witness dangerous bonfires being built. These bonfires may include items which are toxic and other items which present a danger to spectators, whether it be risk of explosion or other.
Not only do these bonfires pose a danger to the public, but the environment can be badly affected by poorly built bonfires and we will be working with our police and local authority colleagues to ensure that communities are kept safe.
The following are very simple Do’s and Do Not’s to ensure the safest possible bonfire.
DO
- If you do decide to have a bonfire then POSITION THE BONFIRE well away from houses, garages, sheds, fences, overhead cables, trees and shrubs, 15m is usually a safe distance.
- Make sure the BONFIRE IS STABLE and will not collapse.
- Ensure everyone is a SAFE DISTANCE AWAY (15m) from the fire and children are supervised at all times.
- Keep BUCKETS OF WATER, a garden hose or a fire extinguisher nearby in case of an emergency. POUR WATER on the remains of the bonfire before leaving.
- KEEP PETS INDOORS during bonfire night.
- BE RESPECTFUL of your neighbours.
DO NOT
- DO NOT burn the following: Tyres, Cylinders, Canisters, Aerosols Paints, Plastics, Rubber & Foam filled furniture.
- NEVER use flammable liquids to light a bonfire.
- NEVER light or store fireworks near a bonfire.
- NEVER leave a bonfire unattended.
- DON’T gather with people you do not live with either indoors or outdoors, unless permitted.
- DON’T forget, fireworks can be dangerous.
- DON’T set off fireworks in a park or other public open space.