Firework season is here, with Bonfire Night on 5 November.

The safest – and most impressive – way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a professionally organised display, but if you’re using fireworks this autumn, please follow advice from the London Fire Brigade.

 

Fireworks at home and balconies

No matter how careful you are, fireworks and sparklers can always be a risk.

Never use or set off fireworks or sparklers of any type from your balcony.

It’s also important that you don’t store fireworks in your home or on your balcony, as accidentally setting them off could lead to a fire.

If you are storing sparklers in your home, keep them away from any heat sources or open flames.

 

Top tips:

  • Don’t use fireworks or sparklers inside your home or in communal gardens
  • Always get permission from the landowner before using fireworks in a public space
  • Don’t throw or play with fireworks – they are explosives and can hurt you
  • Only buy fireworks that have a CE mark from a licensed retailer
  • Only adults should light or hold fireworks – keep everyone else, especially children, well back
  • Keep fireworks in a closed box until you’re ready to use them
  • Follow the instructions on each firework
  • Light fireworks at arm’s length, using a taper
  • Never go near a lit firework, even if it hasn’t gone off
  • Keep pets indoors, as fireworks can frighten them
  • Never put fireworks in your pocket
  • Light sparklers one at a time and hold them at arm’s length
  • Always wear gloves when holding sparklers
  • Never give sparklers to children under the age of five
  • Don’t touch sparklers when they go out – they can still burn you
  • Put sparklers hot end down in a bucket of water when they go out
  • Avoid alcohol if you’re lighting fireworks

 

Firepits and chimineas

Never use firepits, chimineas, or open-flame heaters on your balcony as this is a danger to you and others in your building.

Wind can blow embers into your home or onto other residents' balconies, which could cause a fire.

Unless you own your garden, you are not permitted to use a firepit or chiminea at your L&Q home. This includes other open-flame heaters.

If you are using a firepit or chiminea in garden, make sure it is safe by:

  • keeping it at least three metres away from your home and any fences or trees
  • placing it on a non-flammable surface – not decking or grass
  • avoiding flammable liquids to start or intensify the fire