Fire can spread easily, so where and how you build your bonfire is important. If you have a bonfire, follow these simple guidelines:

• warn your neighbours beforehand - they are much less likely to complain
• light the bonfire at a time least likely to affect your neighbours - eg not on a warm day when people will be in their garden
• only burn dry material not damp, which causes more smoke
• build the bonfire away from sheds, fences and trees
• check there are no cables - like telephone wires - above the bonfire
• don’t use petrol or paraffin to get the fire going – it may get out of control quickly
   

Bonfire safety tips

Once the bonfire is lit, make sure you: keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby - in case of emergencies don’t leave the bonfire unattended keep children and pets away from the bonfire don’t throw any fireworks into the fire don't burn aerosols, tyres, canisters or anything containing foam or paint - many produce toxic fumes and some containers may explode, causing injury Once the bonfire has died down, spray the embers with water to stop it reigniting.

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