Weather for Chelmsford: Sunny, 16.3°C, View more
Saturday 9th May, 2026

Remember remember...to stay safe this Bonfire Night

31/11/2017 About 1 minute Share article:
With Bonfire night coming up we want to remind everyone about how to have a happy and safe time.

The best way to stay safe on bonfire night is to go to a properly organised fireworks display rather than holding your own party in the back garden. The displays are often free and some raise money for local charities and the fireworks are BETTER, the bonfires are BIGGER, and most importantly they are much SAFER.

Assistant Divisional Officer, Mark Eaglestone, said:

"Our best advice is for everyone to attend a properly organised firework display. But if people insist on having their own display it is important that they take all the necessary precautions and the first of these is buying the right fireworks.

"Fireworks should only be bought from fixed retail premises. Don't be tempted to buy from markets, boot sales and backs of vans, as they may be unsafe. All fireworks must have been tested to meet British Standards, and be marked BS 7114.

"Fireworks should be stored in a safe place, preferably a locked cabinet or display case. They should also be kept well away from other flammables.

"It is also important to stay safe with sparklers, they should never be given to a child under five years old, must always be held at arm's length and in a gloved hand. Once they have gone out put sparklers in bucket of water or sand. Sparklers burn five times hotter than cooking oil and must be treated with care."

Our firework safety advice:

- Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114.
- Don't drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.
- Keep fireworks in a closed non-flammable box.
- Follow the instructions on each firework.
- Light them at arm's length, using a taper.
- Stand well back.
- Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it hasn't gone off, it could still explode.
- Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them.
- Always supervise children around fireworks.
- Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves.
- Never give sparklers to a child under five.
- Keep pets indoors.
- Don't set off noisy fireworks late at night and never after 11pm.


Recent Articles

Poppy O’Toole Teams Up with Bill’s Chelmsford for Limited-Edition Menu
Poppy O’Toole Teams Up with Bill’s Chelmsford for Limited-Edition Menu

Celebrity chef Poppy O’Toole has launched a limited-edition menu at Bill’s Chelmsford. Discover the viral potato-inspired dishes available for a short time only.

Chelmsford Cathedral Appoints Stephen Stokes as New Head Verger
Chelmsford Cathedral Appoints Stephen Stokes as New Head Verger

Chelmsford Cathedral has appointed Stephen Stokes as its new Dean’s Verger (Head Verger), overseeing ceremonial and operational duties at the historic city landmark.

Rectory Lane East Car Park in Chelmsford Set to Close as Housing Plans Approved
Rectory Lane East Car Park in Chelmsford Set to Close as Housing Plans Approved

Rectory Lane East car park in Chelmsford is expected to close soon after plans for 22 affordable homes were approved. Full details and impact here.

Businesses
Events
An Evening with Maggie Stiefvater Coming to Waterstones Chelmsford
An Evening with Maggie Stiefvater Coming to Waterstones Chelmsford

Bestselling author Maggie Stiefvater is coming to Waterstones Chelmsford on 4 May 2026 to discuss her new novel The Listeners. Find out how to attend.

Chelmsford Central Parkrun: Free Weekly 5K Event Brings Community Together Every Saturday
Chelmsford Central Parkrun: Free Weekly 5K Event Brings Community Together Every Saturday

Discover Chelmsford Central Parkrun – a free weekly 5K run in Central Park. Open to all ages and abilities, it’s one of Essex’s most popular community fitness events.

Chelmsford City FC Hosting Free Business Networking Event This May
Chelmsford City FC Hosting Free Business Networking Event This May

Chelmsford City FC is hosting a free business networking event on 12 May 2026. Local professionals are invited to connect at the Melbourne Stadium.

KPOP SUPERSTARS WORKSHOP
KPOP SUPERSTARS WORKSHOP

Encore Performing Arts presents KPOP Superstars Workshop where you can ACT, SING and Dance to your favourite K-POP hits