Bonfire Night and Fireworks

Enjoy Bonfire Night Safely This Year

Bonfire Night is a highlight of the autumn calendar for many people, bringing families, friends and communities together to enjoy spectacular fireworks and celebrations. At River Clyde Homes, we want everyone to have a safe, enjoyable and responsible Bonfire Night while helping to protect our neighbourhoods, environment and local services.

Celebrate Safely

While fireworks can be great fun, they can also cause serious injuries if used incorrectly. Many firework-related injuries treated in hospital occur at informal private displays, and more than half of those injured are children.

If you are planning to celebrate at home, always follow the Firework Code, read the manufacturer's safety instructions carefully and make sure you have enough space to use fireworks safely. Remember that sparklers can burn at temperatures up to five times hotter than cooking oil, so children should always be closely supervised.

The safest way to enjoy the occasion is by attending a professionally organised public display, where safety measures are in place to protect everyone attending.

Know the Rules

There are important legal restrictions around the purchase and use of fireworks:

• It is illegal to buy, attempt to buy or give fireworks to anyone under the age of 18, other than category F1 fireworks such as sparklers.
• Fireworks cannot be set off before 6pm or after 11pm.
  This extends to midnight on 5 November and 1am on Hogmanay, Chinese New Year and Diwali.
• It is illegal to set off fireworks in public places, including streets, parks and other communal areas.
• Fireworks cannot be used in Firework Control Zones, including on private property, except for category F1 fireworks.
• Using fireworks against emergency workers is a serious aggravated offence.

By understanding and following the rules, we can all help make Bonfire Night safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

Think About Others

Although fireworks are exciting for many of us, they can be distressing for others in our communities.People with sensory impairments can find sudden loud noises overwhelming and unpredictable. Pets and wildlife can also experience significant stress and anxiety during firework displays.

A little consideration can go a long way. Let neighbours know if you are planning a private display, keep noise to permitted times and consider attending an organised event instead.

The Hidden Cost of Bonfires

Every year River Clyde Homes are left to deal with the outcome of illegal bonfires - which leave behind a costly legacy of damage and disruption. Large amounts of rubbish, furniture, tyres and other waste are often left behind or burned, creating pollution and releasing harmful emissions into the environment. The aftermath can also leave communal areas littered with debris, damaged grassed areas and potential hazards for residents. 

Cleaning up after illegal bonfires requires significant resources from local authorities, housing providers and environmental services. Money and time spent clearing sites, repairing damage and removing waste could otherwise be invested in improving neighbourhoods and community services.

Protecting Our Communities

Bonfire-related incidents place additional pressure on emergency services during an already busy period. In Scotland, fire and rescue crews can be up to four times busier than normal on 5 November, with valuable resources diverted to deal with dangerous fires and unsafe bonfires.

• By choosing safer ways to celebrate, we can help ensure emergency services remain available for people who genuinely need them.
• Let's Keep Bonfire Night Positive
• Bonfire Night should be about bringing communities together, creating happy memories and enjoying the celebrations responsibly.
• By following the rules, considering our neighbours, protecting the environment and choosing safe ways to celebrate, we can all play our part in making Bonfire Night enjoyable for everyone.

From everyone at River Clyde Homes, have a safe, happy and enjoyable Bonfire Night.