Bonfire Night Cornwall: why you never go back to a lit firework

It hasn’t gone off. You give it a minute, then another, and the temptation is to wander over and take a look. Don’t.

With Bonfire Night falling this Thursday (5 November) and plenty of celebrations planned across the following weekend, online health and safety course provider High Speed Training has shared its advice for anyone lighting fireworks, building a bonfire or handing out sparklers.

If you would rather leave it to the professionals, our guide to every Bonfire Night display in Cornwall, with dates and prices has the full list.

But if you are hosting your own, the company says anyone responsible for a display needs to understand how to handle explosives and fires safely, whether it’s for Bonfire Night, Diwali or New Year’s Eve.

Dr Richard Anderson, Learning Experience Director at High Speed Training, said: “The risks associated with fireworks, bonfires, and even sparklers are significant, but they are also manageable. We urge anyone hosting a display to follow the Firework Code meticulously. Simple steps like planning your display, keeping a safe distance, supervising children, and never returning to a lit firework are essential to prevent devastating injuries.”

The Firework Code: what to do

• Buy from a reputable shop. Only buy fireworks that are UKCA marked (or CE marked) from a licensed seller.
• Keep them boxed. Store fireworks in a closed, fireproof box and take them out one at a time.
• Follow the instructions. Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for each firework.
• Light at arm’s length. Use a taper or safety lighter (not a match), then stand back straight away.
• Never return to a lit firework. Even if it hasn’t gone off, it could still explode.
• Keep spectators back. Make sure people stand well clear, behind a designated line or barrier.

Building and lighting a bonfire

• Pick a clear site. Build it well away from fences, sheds, trees and buildings.
• Check for wildlife. Before lighting, look through the pile for pets or wild animals hiding inside, such as hedgehogs.
• No accelerants. Never use petrol, paraffin or other flammable liquids. Use domestic firelighters instead.
• Keep water close. Have buckets of water or a connected hosepipe ready.
• Supervise it. Never leave a bonfire unattended.
• Put it out properly. Douse it thoroughly with water afterwards so every ember is out before you leave.

Sparklers and children

Sparklers can reach up to 1600°C, and High Speed Training says they should never be given to children under five.

• Wear gloves when handling them.
• Supervise children closely at all times.
• Don’t wave them near other people.
• Plunge them into a bucket of cold water once they’ve finished, because they stay extremely hot.

Curfews, under-18s, neighbours and pets

Dr Anderson added a few more points that are easy to overlook on the night.

“It’s vital that a sober adult is in charge of lighting the fireworks; never drink alcohol if you’re managing the display. Remember, it’s illegal for under-18s to carry fireworks in public, and there’s a strict 11 pm curfew for setting them off.”

He also suggests telling your neighbours in advance and keeping pets indoors with the curtains closed and some background noise on.

Personal safety by the fire

Tie back long hair near the bonfire, wear eye protection, and never throw used fireworks onto the flames, because they could still explode. Knowing the basics of treating a minor burn is a sensible precaution too, according to Dr Anderson.

More detailed guidance is on the High Speed Training Hub, including its guide to bonfire and firework safety and assessing the risks.