Bonfire Night Safety

Tayside Fire and Rescue advocate attending an organised firework display.

Dundee's fireworks displays are at Baxter Park and Lochee Park. The fun starts at 5.30pm with Radio Tay Road Show including live entertainment and a Live "On Air" countdown at both parks.

Lighting of the bonfires is at 6.15pm and the fireworks displays are from 7pm to 7.25pm.

Despite annual safety warnings, fireworks night still ends in disaster for far too many families. Tayside Fire and Rescue would like to remind everyone, that at this time of year, thousands of families will gamble with their safety, by failing to plan garden firework displays properly.

The period between 23 October and 12 November is the peak for 5th November related fire incidents.

A simple sparkler reaches a temperature of up to 2000°C over 15 times the boiling point of water. A rocket can travel up to 2.4km (150 miles) per hour. A ll kinds of fireworks need handling with extreme care.

With the introduction of new legislation on the misuse of fireworks, these new regulations will improve safety and stamp out anti-social behaviour ahead of the fireworks season: -

• it is illegal for retailers to sell fireworks to anyone under 18 years old
• retailers are not allowed to sell fireworks which are louder than 120 decibels
• it is now illegal to let off fireworks between 11pm and 7 am
• it is an offence to throw or set off fireworks in a street or public place
• it is also illegal for anyone under 18 to possess fireworks in public.

Firework safety is normally an issue at specific times of the year - when fireworks are widely available, for example Bonfire Night and New Year Celebrations, including the Chinese New Year and Diwali.

However, it is a fact that most accidents are caused by improper use of fireworks and by carelessness. Therefore we are appealing to everyone that is either having a display at home or attending an organised display to take great care this bonfire night and to follow the firework code.

The firework code says:-

• Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114.
• Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.
• Keep fireworks in a closed box.
• Follow the instructions on each firework.
• Light at arm\'s length, using a taper.
• Stand well back.
• Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it hasn’t gone off, it could still explode.
• Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them.
• Always supervise children around fireworks.
• Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves.
• Never give sparklers to a child under five.
• Keep pets indoors.

We are urging people to stay safe by following the tips below:

FIREWORK 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 on each firework. 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. Used fireworks should be collected after the display with care. Douse with water, bury or place in a metal container.
• Keep children under control.
• Keep pets indoors.

BONFIRE DO’s and DON’Ts

• Site well away from houses, garages, sheds, fences, overhead cables, trees and shrubs AND ALWAYS AWAY FROM FIREWORKS.
• 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, tins of paint and bottles.
• Keep everyone away from the fire - especially children, who must be supervised all the time.
• For an emergency keep buckets of water or the garden hose or a fire extinguisher ready.
• Pour water on the embers before leaving.

Please follow the guidance on the attached leaflets for a safe and enjoyable fireworks night.

Firework Code Asian languages leaflet

Fireworks Code Adults leaflet

Firework Code Kids leaflet

Code Pet owners leaflet