Bonfire night safety - what you need to know

Here is lots of useful information for North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue to help you stay safe and on the right side of the law this Bonfire Night.

With Bonfire Night approaching we thought it would be a good opportunity to remind you of the importance of staying safe, whilst having fun.

Whilst most people enjoy fireworks responsibly, in the wrong hands they can cause problems.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue says remember fireworks are explosives and should be treated as such – the manufacturer’s instructions should be followed at all times, along with the ‘firework code’ which can be found here Fireworks: the law – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Every year they strongly encourage people to attend organised displays -  there is a list here

Please check the individual dates and times of the above events by visiting the organisers websites.

If you are planning a home display, we ask you to think carefully and consider the following:

• Plan your display to make it safe and enjoyable
• Only buy fireworks that carry the CE mark, keep them in a closed box and use them one at a time
• Read and follow the instructions on each firework
• Light the firework at arm’s length, with a taper and stand well back
• Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks
• Never return to a firework once it has been lit
• Don’t put fireworks in pockets and never throw them
• Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators

If you are building a bonfire, please consider the following:

• Check for hedgehogs and other wildlife which may have taken shelter in your bonfire before lighting
• Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire
• Don’t build bonfires close to trees, hedges or sheds
• Never leave a lit bonfire unattended
• Make sure the bonfire is out and surrounding areas are made safe before leaving

We would never want to stop you calling 999 in the event of an emergency, but please remember, on November 5 many people may be lighting bonfires, and may be doing so responsibly and supervising them closely.

Of course, if you are worried a fire has started by other means or has been left unsupervised, may spread or is potentially dangerous by other means, then we would encourage you to call us immediately.

A reminder from North Yorkshire Police

• Never set off or throw fireworks (including sparklers) in the street or other public place
• You must not set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, except for Bonfire Night (November 5) when the cut-off is midnight, New Year’s Eve (December 31), Diwali (November 12, 2023) and Chinese New Year (February 10, 2024) when the cut off is 1am.
• You can only buy fireworks (including sparklers) from registered sellers, for private use between 15 October and 10 November, 26 December and 31 December and three days before Diwali and Chinese New Year. At all other times, you can only buy fireworks from licensed shops.
• You can be fined an unlimited amount and imprisoned for up to six months for selling or using fireworks illegally. You could also get an on-the-spot fine of £90

Please speak with your children and teenagers about the importance of using fireworks safely and the consequences of improper use.