Bonfire night and the festive party season brings plenty fun and frolics, but it's important to consider safety when planning events that involve fireworks and open flames.
Preventing accidental arson in businesses
Arson and accidental causes of fire from bonfire embers and fireworks can be devastating to businesses across Gloucestershire.
Beyond the financial hit, accidental arson can have lasting effects on staff safety, customer trust and insurance — so it's crucial for business owners to implement effective fire prevention strategies.
Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service's top tips for prevention include:
- Moving any rubbish away from the building — rubbish should ideally be kept in locked bins. If this is not possible, ensure bins are emptied regularly. Check for firework displays happening near your business and get bins emptied beforehand.
- Illuminate secluded loading yards with security lighting to discourage antisocial behaviour.
- Develop a vigilant workforce that supports fire safety compliance and business security procedures — staff are a major asset for business security.
Bonfire Night safety tips
Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service advises people to always attend an organised event, with plenty of dazzling fireworks displays and bonfires to be found across the county, but the top tips for staying safe that you need to 'remember, remember' on Bonfire Night include:
- Only allow adults to handle fireworks and keep them in a closed box until use.
- Light fireworks at arm's length with a taper and stand well back.
- Never return to a firework once it has been lit.
- Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators.
- Don't put fireworks in pockets and never throw them.
- Never buy fireworks from unlicensed sellers.
- Keep buckets of water or a garden hose near by in case of emergency.
- Keep children under constant supervision when using sparklers and keep a bucket of sand to dispose of used sparklers.
- Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire.
- Don't build bonfires under trees or near bushes.
- Keep a distance of five metres from the bonfire once lit.
- Pour water on embers and make sure that the fire is out and surroundings are made safe before leaving.
For more information, visit the Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service website at gloucestershire.gov.uk/glosfire.
