Firework Safety
As Bonfire Night approaches on Thursday 5 November, we’re asking everyone in our community to take extra care and help keep our neighbourhoods safe.
News
As Bonfire Night approaches on Thursday 5 November, we’re asking everyone in our community to take extra care and help keep our neighbourhoods safe.
Fireworks and bonfires can cause serious injuries, damage homes and property, and create distress for residents, children and animals. By acting responsibly and looking out for one another, we can all help make this a safer time for everyone.
Check out some useful pieces of guidance using the drop-downs below.
- If you're keen to see some firework displays, try to attend an organised display where possible. These are safer than private displays.
- Never let children handle, buy or set off fireworks. They should only be used by people aged 18 or over.
- Follow instructions on the packaging and keep everyone back at a safe distance.
- Never return to a lit firework, or throw fireworks at people, animals or property.
- In Scotland, it is illegal to set off fireworks in public places, including streets and parks.
- Avoid unauthorised bonfires, particularly in shared areas, stairwells, bin stores, car parks and near homes.
- Never light a fire near buildings, vehicles, trees or fences.
- Never use petrol or other flammable liquids to start a fire, and never throw fireworks or pressurised containers onto a bonfire.
- Do not leave fires unattended. The safest option is to attend an organised event rather than hold a private bonfire.
Unauthorised bonfires and deliberate fire setting can put lives at risk and divert emergency services from other urgent incidents.
- Keep communal entrances, stairwells, escape routes and access routes for emergency vehicles clear.
- Do not store combustible materials or bulky waste in shared areas.
- Report dumped furniture, pallets or other materials that could be used to build fires.
- Please be considerate of neighbours who may be frightened or distressed by loud bangs, including older residents and people with sensory sensitivities.
- Keep pets indoors where possible, close windows and curtains, and provide a quiet, secure space for them.
- Emergency or immediate danger: Call 999
- Antisocial behaviour or non-emergency concerns: Contact Police Scotland on 101.
- Fly-tipping: Report these to Glasgow City Council via their webpage.
- Anonymous information about deliberate fire-setting: Contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
- Please do not approach an unsafe bonfire or attempt to deal with dangerous materials yourself.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service - Firework Safety