West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) staff would recommend that you go to an organised display, if possible, which are usually safer, controlled environments. If you are considering your own event at home, make sure you let your neighbours know so that they can prepare themselves or their pets appropriately. Don’t burn aerosols, tyres, canisters or anything containing foam or paint. Consider the positioning of your bonfire (not too close to fences or houses), keep a bucket of water or a hose pipe nearby, and keep children and pets away from the flames.
Please only buy fireworks that are CE marked as fake fireworks can be very dangerous. Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks. Never go near a firework that has been lit – even if it hasn’t ‘gone off’ it could still explode.
Bonfire lead at WYFRS Imran Ali says “We want everyone in West Yorkshire to have a brilliant Bonfire Night with family and friends. Please try and attend an organised celebration if you can – but if you must celebrate at home then please follow our safety tips. We are called to so many bonfires in gardens that get out of hand, which obviously can be very distressing, so we want everyone to celebrate safely.
“You can also help prevent the misuse of bonfires and fireworks– please make sure you always know where your children are and that they are behaving appropriately. Any incidents of anti-social behaviour should be reported to the police. We’re here to help not to be hurt.”
Assistant Chief Constable Sarah Baker, Gold Commander for West Yorkshire Police, said: “We want everyone in West Yorkshire to enjoy their bonfire celebrations safely and responsibly, and would encourage people to follow the advice of our partners at the fire service.
“We will have an increased presence in our communities to provide reassurance over the Bonfire weekend and will be working with partners to keep people safe over the Hallowe’en and Bonfire period – taking firm action against anyone who involves themselves in anti-social behaviour.
“Bonfire Night is historically one of the busiest nights of the year for the emergency services and people are urged to consider this when calling us. Please use our online options where possible and only use 999 to report emergencies, or where a crime is in progress.”
This Bonfire Night crews also hope to see the benefit of the thousands of hours of community work they have put in before the big day, speaking to different communities and young people about how to celebrate safely. This community work is at the heart of the ethos of the Service, and has seen positive responses in recent years, with crews reporting less antisocial behaviour and an overall reduction in incidents around the bonfire period.
*(The ‘bonfire period’ referred to last year is recorded as Nov 3rd-Nov 5th 2023)