London Fire Brigade

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Don’t let a tragedy ruin your bonfire night

29 October 2008

In the lead up to Bonfire night London Fire Brigade is urging Londoners to be safety aware while they are having fun.

London Fire Brigade expects to be called to hundreds of incidents on and around November 5 this year – ranging from bonfires that have got out of control, to problems caused by fireworks.

“A trip to hospital or wrecked property is not going to make for an enjoyable Bonfire Night” said London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner Steve Turek

“Across the UK around a thousand people are injured by fireworks or bonfires each year and so the best advice we can give people is to attend an organised firework display or bonfire. If you are having your own celebration use common sense and follow the firework code.”

On bonfire night statistics show there are four times more secondary fires than the daily average. Typical examples are out of control bonfires and outdoor fires on grassland or in rubbish containers.

The Brigade advises Londoners to keep the following tips in mind:

  • Only buy fireworks marked with the British Standard Kitemark BS7114
  • Don't drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.
  • Keep fireworks in a closed box, and always follow the instructions carefully when using them.
  • Light them at arms length using a taper and stand well back.
  • Never go back to them once they are lit. Even if it hasn't gone off, it could still explode.
  • Never throw fireworks and never put them in your pocket.
  • Respect your neighbours – don’t let off fireworks late at night
  • Take care with sparklers – never give them to children under five. Even when they have gone out they are still hot so put them in a bucket of water after use.
  • Keep your pets indoors throughout the evening.
  • Build your bonfire well clear of buildings, garden sheds, fences and hedges.
  • Never use flammable liquids to help start a bonfire and never burn dangerous items such as aerosol cans, paint tins, foam furniture or batteries.
  • 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 water.
  • Always keep a bucket of water or a hosepipe nearby in case of emergency. You can use a hosepipe in an emergency during a hosepipe ban.

Londoners should also be aware of firework legislation which makes it an offence for under 18s to possess adult fireworks in public places and an offence for anyone other than a firework professional to possess professional display fireworks. Police also have the power to issue fixed penalty notices to those under the age of 18 caught possessing fireworks in a public place.

Fascinating firework facts

  • Legend has it that the Chinese made the first fireworks in the 800s, filling bamboo shoots with gunpowder and exploding them at New Year with the hope the sound would scare away evil spirits.
  • Other countries also use fireworks including USA (Independence Day), France (Bastille Day) and Canada (Canada Day).
  • Alongside Bonfire Night, many Londoners use fireworks to celebrate other festivals like Chinese New Year and Diwali.
  • Fireworks burn at thousands of degrees °C. Even a sparkler reaches a temperature of up to 2,000°C (20 times the boiling point of water). Fireworks are also fast, with rockets reaching 150mph.
  • The Battle of Flowers Parade in Jersey in 1997 saw the record set for the biggest number of rockets fired in one attempt, with 39,210 fired simultaneously.