Remember, remember the 5^{th of} November.  If you are celebrating on Bonfire Night, you’ll want to remember it for the right reasons.   Read our tips below and ensure you are aware of the legal and safety considerations if you are hosting fireworks or a bonfire at your property.

1. Fireworks, bonfires and the law

There are legal regulations for the purchase and use of fireworks.

You must be a minimum of 18 years old to purchase category 2 and 3 fireworks.  Category 4 fireworks can only be used by professionals.

It is against the law to set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, except on certain occasions.  On Bonfire Night, the cut off is midnight. (on New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year, the cut off is 1am).

There are also laws connected to bonfires and burning certain types of waste. You cannot burn household waste, treated wood, tyres, plastics or rubber. The fumes from these materials poses a health risk and pollutes the environment.

You should take every precaution to ensure any smoke from your bonfire does not cause a nuisance to neighbours.  You could be fined if smoke from your bonfire drifts into the road and becomes a danger to traffic.

You should always check with your local council in case there are any specific regulations or permits required for private fireworks displays or bonfires.

2. Safety measures

Fireworks can be dangerous if not handled properly. Follow any safety guidelines provided with your fireworks. Always stay a safe distance away and ensure all children are supervised at all times.  You should never attempt to relight a firework or light them in glass bottles.

Bonfires should never be left unattended.

Keep a bucket of water close by, just in case you need it.

3. Noise and neighbour relations

Consider your neighbours when planning your fireworks or bonfire, especially those with pets, who may be frightened of the noise. Let them know in advance and discuss a reasonable end time for your celebrations.

Be mindful of The Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014.  It defines anti-social behaviour as:

• Conduct that has caused, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to any person,
• Conduct capable of causing nuisance or annoyance to a person in relation to that person’s occupation of residential premises, or
• Conduct capable of causing housing-related nuisance or annoyance to any person.

4. Liability and home insurance

As a homeowner, it’s important to check with your insurance provider (home, contents and buildings) how you are covered for any accidents as the result of a bonfire or fireworks.  You’ll want to ensure that your policy covers you if a fireworks display causes any serious damage to your house or garden.

Also, if you cause damage to a neighbour’s property, will their home insurance cover it, or do you need to consider provisions for this? If damage is caused to another property as a direct result of your bonfire or fireworks, you could be held liable.

5. Environmental considerations

In addition to legal and safety considerations, it’s essential to be mindful of the environmental impact of your Guy Fawkes Night celebrations.

Properly dispose of firework debris after the celebrations. This includes any unexploded fireworks, used rockets, and other waste. Clean up thoroughly to prevent accidents and harm to wildlife.

Ensure your bonfire is kept away from trees, bird and bat boxes.  Also, you must not set off fireworks near livestock or horses.  Before you light your bonfire, check that it’s free from wildlife such as hedgehogs who may be hiding inside.

Then, ensure that you light it from one side only so any wildlife you have missed has a chance to escape from the other side.

Have a great time

Celebrating Guy Fawkes Night at your property should be a memorable and enjoyable experience for you and your guests, so it’s never a bad thing to check that your plans are safe, legal and unlikely to cause damage to properties or wildlife.

Useful links

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/remember-remember-bonfire-night-but-make-it-legal-and-safe

https://www.gov.uk/fireworks-the-law

For legal advice

• Email info@hrjforemanlaws.co.uk
• Call Hitchin 01462 458711 or Welwyn Garden City, 01707 887700
• Complete our contact form here

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