Better bonfires

Enjoy bonfire night safely

Bonfires and fireworks always involve some risk, the guidelines below help to reduce that but they should always be treated with respect. Find out more about firework safety.

If you are going to light a bonfire, follow these safety tips:

• Bonfires should be at least 18 metres (60 feet) away from houses, trees, hedges, fences, sheds.
• Only burn dry materials, and never burn household rubbish, rubber tyres or anything containing plastic, foam or paint.
• Never use petrol, paraffin or any other flammable liquids to light the fire or encourage it.
• Before you light the bonfire make sure all children and animals are a safe distance away.
• Keep a hosepipe handy in case you need it.
• Don't leave a bonfire unattended; an adult should supervise at all times. If you do have to leave it for any reason, damp it down first.
• If you are having a fireworks display, light the bonfire afterwards so there’s no chance of it setting off the fireworks. Never put fireworks on a bonfire as you have no idea where they will go.
• Be considerate of your neighbours and think about things like where smoke is likely to blow.
• Legally, bonfires must be out by midnight.

Remember, if your bonfire or fireworks could be classed as an event you have to be responsible for a whole lot of other factors and will need to carry out full risk assessments and hold liability insurance. See the links on the right for more information.

Some bonfires ignore safety guidelines to such an extent that they pose a serious risk to life and property.

Illegal bonfires are illegal for a reason.

Every year people have bonfires that are a serious danger to life and property, building them too close to houses, power lines, and other things that don’t go well with fire. Or they burn materials not intended for the bonfire releasing toxic fumes, causing explosions and sometimes trapping pets and wildlife. Mix this with having a couple of drinks or looking after kids and it can be really dangerous.

Businesses have sometimes used bonfire night as a cheap way to offload their waste, risking your safety for their gain.

We take your safety very seriously.

These bonfires are classed as fly tipping and offenders will be prosecuted. The penalty is up to five years in prison or a £50,000 fine.

• Call the environment team on 0161 909 6500 to clear any potentially dangerous bonfire sites.
• After-hours, call our emergency service on 0161 794 8888.
• Report any dangerous or anti-social behaviour to us on 0161 909 6544.
• You can also report fly tipping, dangerous bonfires or anti-social behaviour online.

This page was last updated on 24 October 2011