Brits planning Bonfire Night celebrations have been warned that breaking fireworks rules could land them with a £90 fine, while overlooking basic safety precautions could put family, friends and neighbouring properties at risk.

With November fast approaching, event branding specialist Monster-Mesh has teamed up with C2 Safety's expert Bob Fulton to highlight common mistakes people make when organising bonfires and fireworks displays, and the precautions they should take to keep celebrations safe.

Expert Bob Fulton explains that many accidents happen because people underestimate the dangers involved. He said,

“Bonfires and fireworks can make a great spectacle, but when things go wrong, they can go wrong in a big way. It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of the evening and forget just how dangerous fireworks and open flames can be, particularly when children and other vulnerable people are around.”

8 Bonfire Night mistakes that could put people at risk

Here are eight common mistakes to avoid this Bonfire Night, according to safety expert Bob Fulton, Business Development Manager at C2 Safety and Event Safety Expert to Monster-Mesh.

1. Setting off fireworks too late

“Under the Fireworks Regulations 2004, fireworks must not generally be set off between 11pm and 7am. However, on Bonfire Night, the permitted time is extended until midnight. Breaching the curfew can result in a fixed penalty, so households should plan their celebrations accordingly.

“Those planning a display should make sure they finish within the permitted hours and consider the impact on neighbours, including young children, pets and people who may be sensitive to loud noises.

“For low-level breaches, police and councils can enforce an on the spot £90 fine. If this is paid within 14 days, then that is the end of the matter. However, for repeated breached, anti-social behaviour or if the police deem it appropriate to escalate the issue, then fines can reach £5,000. 

“For more serious cases, you get a potential 6 months' imprisonment, though this would be reserved for things which are much bigger than curfew breaking, such as throwing fireworks at people or animals or causing huge distress via persistent anti-social behaviour."

2. Getting too close to fireworks

“Standing too close when fireworks are lit, or approaching one that has failed to go off, can result in serious injuries. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions, keep spectators at a safe distance and never return to a firework that has failed to ignite. Follow the instructions for dealing with a failed firework, including soaking it in water where directed.

“Different classes of fireworks have different requirements for distance. Category F2 (for smaller outdoor spaces often dictate a minimum distance of 8m, while F3 (for larger gardens) often state 25m. However, each firework should specify the safe distance, though, and it's important not to assume that they are all the same. 

“Keep the minimum distance as the longest minimum. So, for example, if you've got one which states 8m and another which states 15m, keep the minimum at 15m.

“For professional displays with fireworks that aren't available for sale to the general public, the minimum distance is 50m.”

3. Using petrol to get a bonfire started

“Adding petrol or another accelerant to a bonfire can cause flames to flare up suddenly, potentially causing severe burns. Use a safe method to light the fire and never add flammable liquids to an existing bonfire.

“When lighting a bonfire, firelighters and a long-nosed lighter will help you ignite the fire safely from a distance. Light the bonfire from the upwind side, so the wind carries the heat into the pile of wood rather than blowing flames, sparks or hot air back towards you. This helps reduce the risk of burns and makes lighting the fire safer. Never lean over the bonfire when lighting it, and keep a safe distance once the flames take hold.”

4. Burning household rubbish or other unsuitable materials

“Only burn suitable materials and avoid anything that could produce toxic fumes or spread the fire beyond the intended area. Items such as foam furniture and aerosols can release harmful smoke or cause explosions when burned.

“As this can be classed as illegally managing waste, fines can be charged of up to £50,000. It's burning items which can significantly harm a person's health and it's also polluting the environment. 

“It’s also worth mentioning that it’s important to ensure that other people haven't dumped illegal waste on their bonfire to get rid of it. Bonfire night in particular can be seen as an ‘easy’ time to get rid of old furniture, household rubbish and mattresses.”

5. Building a bonfire too close to fences, sheds or other structures

“A bonfire positioned too close to a fence, shed or neighbouring property increases the risk of flames and heat causing damage or starting another fire. Choose the location carefully and have water or a suitable fire extinguisher readily available before lighting the bonfire.”

6. Setting fireworks off or using sparklers in the wrong place

“It may seem like common sense, but it is worth a reminder that fireworks must not be set off in the street or other public places.

“Sparklers come under the exact same regulations as fireworks, even though many people would see them as different or less dangerous to fireworks that go bang in the sky. Any potential fines can be imposed on sparklers in the same way as other fireworks.” 

7. Causing smoke that drifts into roads and impacts drivers

“The amount of smoke created and simple changes in the weather can cause smoke to drift into roads and public spaces. People should take care that smoke from a bonfire does not blow across a public road and obstruct drivers' visibility, which can constitute an offence under the Highways Act.

“Lighting a fire and allowing it to drift across a highway could face a fine of up to £2000 under the Highways (Amendment) Act 1986.”

8. Failing to check the rules before storing fireworks

“Anyone storing fireworks should check the applicable explosives legislation and licensing requirements, as the rules depend on the type and quantity of fireworks and the circumstances of storage.

“Storing any more fireworks than a small quantity requires a license and falls under the Explosives Regulations 2014. This amount is 5kg.”

Whether you're planning a small gathering in your garden or attending a larger organised display, a few straightforward precautions can help reduce the risks. 

Bob Fulton told Monster-Mesh, 

“Bonfires and fireworks can make a great night, but it is worth remembering that not everyone enjoys them in the same way. Thinking about neighbours, pets and wildlife, as well as the people attending your celebration, helps everyone prepare and reduces the chances of something going wrong.”

“A little preparation beforehand can make a real difference to how safely the evening runs. A lot of the risks come down to not thinking things through properly before getting started. Keep fireworks away from the bonfire, make sure you have something available to deal with a fire if necessary, such as water or a suitable fire extinguisher, and never assume a firework is safe to approach just because it has not gone off.”

For those planning larger public or private events, additional considerations include completing a suitable written risk assessment, preparing an emergency plan and checking that insurance covers the activities taking place. Read more about Bonfire Night safety on the Monster-Mesh blog .