Stay safe this bonfire night | Latest news and updates

Bonfire night can be great fun, but there are also a lot of dangers around fireworks and bonfires. Follow these simple rules from Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service and keep you, your family and your pets safe.

We would encourage anyone who wants to see fireworks to attend an organised display. This is by far the safest and relaxed way to enjoy fireworks. Here’s a map of displays in Cambridgeshire.

 

 

If you do decide to buy your own fireworks, follow these safety tips:

• Only buy fireworks with a CE mark 
• Light fireworks at arm’s length using a taper, stand well back and never go back to a lit firework 
• Never throw fireworks or put them in your pockets or clothing 
• Light sparklers one at a time wearing gloves, and place used sparklers in a bucket of water 
• Never give sparklers to children under five 
• Keep your pets indoors throughout the evening 
• It is illegal to sell fireworks to someone under the age of 18 or to light fireworks in a public place 
• Respect your neighbours – don’t let off fireworks late at night and remember there are laws to follow. It is illegal to set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am. On November 5th displays can continue until midnight, and on certain occasions, such as New Year’s Eve, Diwali, and Chinese New Year, fireworks can be set off until 1am.

Bonfire safety

We would urge people to think twice about having a bonfire. 

Lighting a bonfire in a garden presents significant risks to residents if they get out of hand. Not only this, but the smoke can also aggravate neighbours with respiratory problems.  

If you do decide to have a bonfire, please follow our top five tips: 

1. Use a purpose built metal bin or fire pit to prevent the fire getting out of hand.
2. Only burn untreated wood or dry garden waste.
3. Build your bonfire well clear of buildings, garden sheds, fences and hedges 
4. Never use flammable liquids to start a bonfire, and never burn dangerous items such as aerosol cans, paint tins, foam furniture, or batteries 
5. Don’t leave bonfires unattended. An adult should supervise it until it has burnt out. If it has to be left, damp it down with plenty of water 
6. Always keep a bucket of water or a hosepipe nearby in case of fire 
7. Check the weather - avoid lighting bonfires in high winds.