Ahead of Bonfire Night on Wednesday 5th November, Shetland Islands Council is sharing messages from the national bonfire and firework safety campaign.
The campaign by The Scottish Government, in partnership with The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, aims to highlight the dangers of fireworks misuse and to raise awareness of the laws around using fireworks, to lessen the negative impact on people and animals.
Know the rules
- It is illegal to buy a firework or make it available to someone under the age of 18, other than category F1 fireworks like sparklers.
- It is illegal to set off fireworks before 6pm and 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 and parks.
Think of others
- Scotland's fire and rescue crews are up to four times busier than usual on 5 November, wasting time and resources attending unsafe bonfires.
- Fireworks can be particularly distressing to pets and animals.
- Fireworks can be distressing for some people who experience sensory impairment.
Stay safe
- Most firework injuries treated at hospital happen at informal private displays. Over half of those requiring treatment are children.
- Sparklers can get five times hotter than cooking oil. Ensure you follow all safety guidance and never leave children unattended.
- Always follow the Firework Code and read the safety instructions on each firework. Not all fireworks are suitable for use in private gardens.
- Attend a local organised fireworks display.
Bonfires
- Bonfires should be sited well away from homes, vehicles and buildings.
- They should only be built from clean wood, paper and cardboard and nothing that may damage the environment – such as tyres, furnishings or plastics.
- Bonfires must not contain dangerous or unsuitable items which may injure spectators, such as pressurised containers.
- Never use flammable liquids to ignite a bonfire.
- Debris should be cleaned up after the fire has cooled.
For more details on firework and bonfire safety, including the Firework Code, please look up: www.firescotland.gov.uk/outdoors/fireworks-and-bonfires/