Bonfire Night in 2020

Bonfire Night falls in line with England’s second lockdown and with all major displays cancelled, should we even be considering fireworks and bonfires during such a time?

As it stands under the new restrictions, we are not to meet with any friends or family outside of our household or support bubble. This is true for both in houses and private gardens. In fact, anyone caught in breach of lockdown rules on household mixing, even in a garden, could face a fine starting at £200!

However, if you still would like to go ahead with a small firework display for your family within your private garden, you should follow the fire work code below:

• Only buy fireworks with a CE mark
• Don't drink alcohol if setting off fireworks
• Keep fireworks in a closed box
• Follow the instructions on each firework
• Light them at arm's length, using a taper
• Stand well back
• Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it hasn't gone off, it could still explode
• Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them
• Direct rockets away from spectators
• Always supervise children around fireworks
• Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves
• Never give sparklers to a child under five
• Keep pets indoors
• Don't let off fireworks after 11pm

Top tip for sparklers – Stick a sparkler in the top of a carrot, as the carrot is easier for little hands to grasp and keeps their skin away from the sparkler heat. Keep a bucket of water nearby to put used sparklers in as they are still incredibly hot long after they have gone out. Sparklers should not be given to children under five and children should always be supervised.

We must also be safe and considerate where bonfires are concerned as these can be dangerous if precautions are not taken. Consider the below if you are thinking of doing a bonfire: 

• Check for hedgehogs and other wildlife before lighting your bonfire.
• Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire.
• Don’t build bonfires close to trees, hedges or sheds.
• Don't light a bonfire under an electricity cable.
• Don't burn Fuel (e.g. Petrol, Diesel), Household rubbish (e.g. plastics), Aerosol cans, Lighter fluid, Tyres, Fireworks, Gas canisters, Foam, Paint, Anything wet.
• Don’t leave bonfires unattended.
• Make sure that the bonfire is out and surroundings are made safe before leaving.

We hope these guidelines will help you have a safe bonfire night!

Baa for now x