Bonfire Night warning as homeowners urged to take fire risks seriously
Serious firework burns to children have risen by 63%, as households are urged to think carefully about fireworks, garden bonfires and seasonal fire risks.
Bonfire Night celebrations are taking place across the UK, with households being urged to take fire risks seriously when using fireworks and lighting garden bonfires.
Serious firework burns to children rose by 63% between 2024 and 2025, according to the Children's Burns Trust, highlighting the importance of taking precautions when celebrating with fireworks.
Poorly managed garden bonfires can put nearby buildings, fences and gardens at risk, and fire safety specialists are encouraging people to think carefully before lighting one.
Staffordshire-based MAGG Fire Services is highlighting the importance of fire prevention as people celebrate Bonfire Night and prepare for other seasonal occasions involving fireworks and open flames.
Mark Gibbons, Managing Director of MAGG Fire Services, said: “Bonfire Night is a good reminder that fire safety starts with prevention. An open fire can become dangerous if it is too close to buildings or combustible materials, or if it is left unattended. We would encourage people to prioritise safety, avoid taking unnecessary risks at home and attend an organised display instead.”
While Bonfire Night and the surrounding weekend are traditionally among the busiest periods for fireworks, the risks extend beyond 5 November. Diwali is also celebrated in November, with fireworks often used as part of the festivities, while Christmas and New Year bring further fire hazards through celebrations, candles and decorative lighting.
Fire services across the UK urge people to attend professionally organised displays rather than holding their own. Those considering a garden bonfire should take precautions to prevent flames spreading.
Bonfires remain a significant call on fire crews. In London, calls to firefighters about bonfires rose by more than 30% on Bonfire Night last year, as the capital's fire control room handled its busiest 5 November since 2016.
Fire safety advice recommends keeping bonfires well away from buildings, sheds, fences, trees and hedges. Petrol and paraffin should never be used to ignite fires, and hazardous items such as aerosol cans, batteries and foam-filled furniture should not be burned.
How to reduce bonfire risks at home
Anyone lighting a bonfire should ensure it is supervised by a responsible adult throughout, with a bucket of water or hosepipe available in case of an emergency. The fire and its surroundings should be made safe before anyone leaves.
Garden waste can produce significant amounts of smoke, particularly when green or damp, potentially affecting neighbouring properties. Composting and council garden waste collections are alternatives to burning rubbish.
Children should be kept at a safe distance from open flames, while pets and wildlife should be kept away from bonfires. Fireworks should never be thrown onto a bonfire, even if they appear to have been used.
MAGG Fire Services provides fire safety and compliance services to businesses across Staffordshire and the West Midlands, including fire risk assessments, fire protection advice and safety training.
Households are being reminded to keep combustible materials away from flames, take sensible precautions and never assume a bonfire is safe simply because it appears to be burning down.