Fireworks and Bonfires

The people of Dumfries and Galloway are clearly concerned about the potential dangers associated with fireworks and bonfires.

These pages offers some general advice as to bonfire and firework safety as well as other information which is available from other agencies.

Did you know?

• In this country the 5th November celebrates the anniversary of Guy Fawkes' attempt to destroy the parliament buildings.
• The French celebrate 14th July as the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille in 1789 with Fireworks, Bonfires and parades.
• Many Indians celebrate Diwali, Festival of Light, in the last week of October or the first week in November with fireworks.

Firework Safety

The utmost care is necessary in firework storage, handling and use, whether you are organising a display for the family, friends or the general public. We want you to have a safe event.

Fascinating facts!

• A rocket firework can reach speeds of 150 mph.
• A sparkler reaches a temperature of about 2000 degrees centigrade… twenty times the temperature of boiling water.
• Fireworks can reach a height of 200 metres.
• The largest number of rockets ever let off in one go was in Jersey in 1997 when 39,210 rockets were released in one go.

Bonfire Safety

Bonfires present additional hazards when it's dark. If you must light a bonfire, in connection with a fireworks display, then:

• Site well away from houses, garages, sheds, fences, overhead cables, trees and shrubs and always away from fireworks.
• Before lighting the fire check that no pets or children are hiding inside it.
• Build the stack so that it is stable and will not collapse outwards or to one side.
• Never use flammable liquids - paraffin or petrol - to light the fire.
• Don't burn foam-filled furniture, aerosols, and tins of paint or bottles.
• Keep everyone away from the fire - especially children, who must be supervised all the time.
• For an emergency keep buckets of water, the garden hose or a fire extinguisher ready.
• Pour water on the embers before leaving.

Do's and Don'ts

• Keep fireworks in a closed metal box and take them out one at a time.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Read them by torchlight - never a naked flame.
• Light fireworks at arm's length using a safety firework lighter or fuse wick.
• Stand back after lighting.
• Never go back to a firework once lit - it may go off in your face.
• Keep a bucket of water handy.
• Carefully collect used fireworks after the display. Douse with water, bury or place in a metal container.
• Keep children under control.
• Keep pets indoors.