How to stay safe on Bonfire Night to avoid serious injuries and hefty fines

Brits are being warned they could face hefty fines or even imprisonment for not adhering to Bonfire Night rules.

The outdoor experts at GardeningExpress.co.uk are urging Britons to act with caution if they’re letting fireworks off in the garden

They’re urging caution to those planning to celebrate as acting recklessly can result in serious injuries and on-the-spot fines of £90.

It’s prohibited to use fireworks between 11pm and 7am, but this curfew is extended to midnight on Bonfire Night.

Setting off fireworks or sparklers on the street past midnight can lead to unlimited fines or even six months imprisonment.

Britons can also be fined for lighting a bonfire if the smoke drifts onto the road and becomes a danger to oncoming traffic.

Chris Bonnett, founder of GardeningExpress.co.uk said: “Bonfire Night is one of the best nights in the year to gather with friends and family and enjoy fireworks in the back garden.

“But it’s easy to get carried away with the festivities and you could be putting yourself at risk of serious injury by lighting fireworks wrong or piling up a bonfire too high.

“Acting recklessly on Bonfire Night can also result in criminal convictions, as lighting fireworks on the street past midnight can lead to unlimited fines and in some cases, imprisonment.

“We’ve put together answers to common queries to avoid confusion and ways everyone can keep safe during the celebrations.”

Here are common questions about Bonfire Night answered:

How late can you celebrate bonfire night?

While the celebrations have no set curfew, the law prohibits fireworks from being set off after midnight.

What fireworks can we use?

 Adults over 18 can purchase fireworks from registered sellers. The available fireworks are those in categories 1, 2 and 3. You can be convicted for using a category 4 firework in your back garden as professionals can only use and purchase them.

When can we buy fireworks?

Fireworks can only be purchased by registered sellers for private use between the 15th of October and the 10th of November. The dates change for different events and celebrations throughout the year.

What are the rules surrounding bonfires?

Bonfires can be lit in back gardens but there are regulations. The law states you cannot get rid of household waste if it will result in polluting the air or harming people’s health – this rule applies to burning. You can also be fined if the smoke from a bonfire drifts onto a road and becomes a danger to drivers.

What happens if you break the Bonfire Night rules?

Lighting fireworks in public spaces and on the street can result in on-the-spot fines of £90. The law also states that if found guilty of using fireworks illegally, handlers can be given unlimited fines and imprisonment of up to six months.

Do the rules apply to all areas of the UK?

While the law states not to use fireworks past midnight on Bonfire Night, make sure to check the rules set out by your local council as the restrictions may vary.

Here’s advice on how to stay safe on Bonfire Night:

 How to keep safe around a bonfire:

 Use long-reach lighters to start the flame and have a bucket of water or a hose nearby. Regularly monitor the flame and make sure nobody gets too close to the fire.

 How to put sparklers out:

 Sparklers always keep the kids entertained, but make sure they’re monitored at all times. Have a bucket of water on the side to dip the used sparker into.

 How to position fireworks:

Always read the instructions on the fireworks box as each type works differently. Make sure it’s plotted on a flat and stable part of the garden and have family and friends standing back at a safe distance. Move all garden furniture out of the way and position the firework away from nearby trees so nothing is blocking its path when it launches.

How to protect your pets:

 Make sure all pets are indoors when the bonfire is lit and fireworks are being set off. Keep blinds and curtains closed if they’re unsettled by the loud noises and have background noise on to distract them. 

How to protect wildlife:

Create small piles of leaves and logs to provide alternative shelter for frogs, toads and newts, keeping them away from the open flames. Stay vigilant for any hedgehogs lurking around and if any are spotted, gently move them to a safe part of the garden.