Autumn’s starting to settle in, and many of us are looking forward to bonfire night. It’s a cherished tradition that brings friends and family together, but planning a safe and enjoyable bonfire at home means careful thought and preparation. To make sure your celebration goes off without a hitch, here’s a handy checklist to guide you through the essentials for hosting the perfect bonfire in the garden.

Choose the Right Location

Selecting the right spot for your bonfire at home is the foundation of your night. Make sure the area is open and spacious, away from overhanging branches, fences, and buildings. The last thing you want to worry about is bonfire night safety while you’re trying to enjoy the festivities! If you don’t have a firepit, then a level, dry patch of earth is perfect, as it means there’s less risk of the fire spreading.

Get the Right Supplies

Before the big night, make sure you’ve got everything you need for a safe and fun bonfire in the garden. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Firewood: Obviously, this is the most important part of a successful bonfire. Start by collecting dry garden debris such as old wood, twigs, small branches, dead flowers, and bark from around your garden, which is an ideal opportunity for an autumn tidy-up. If you need to buy extra firewood, go for seasoned hardwoods like oak or ash, and you can get a steadier burn.

A man and his daughter collecting sticks for bonfire night

Kindling: Dry twigs, newspapers, or commercial fire starters work well to get your bonfire blazing.

Seating: Arrange comfortable seating at a safe distance from the fire, making sure everyone’s got a great view without getting too close.

Blankets: This might seem counterintuitive, but as the temperature drops in the evening, cosy blankets can help keep your guests warm.

Think Carefully About Safety

Bonfire night safety is absolutely paramount. Think about a few key measures before you light your bonfire.

Clear the Area: Remove any flammable materials from the vicinity, including dry leaves and garden debris. This reduces the chance of your bonfire spreading and getting out of control.

Children and Pets: Make sure children and pets are kept well away from the bonfire and are always supervised. 

Access to Water: Even the most experienced bonfire aficionados can see a bonfire get out of control. Make sure you have plenty of water ready, such as full buckets or a well-connected hosepipe to hand. Buckets of sand or dirt are good options, too.

First Aid Kit: Ensure you’ve got a basic first aid kit on hand to manage any minor injuries. Handling wood and sparklers can lead to minor burns and splinters, which you might be able to treat at home. For more severe injuries, be sure to contact a medical professional.

Set Up Your Bonfire

Building your bonfire in the garden can be a fun and creative process, but what are some ways to construct a safe bonfire?

Create a Firepit: If possible, use a firepit to contain the flames. This adds an extra layer of safety that gives you better control of your bonfire.

Structure Your Wood: Stack the wood in a pyramid shape to allow air to circulate – this gives you a better chance of a steady flame. Make sure there is enough space between the logs for good airflow.

Check for Wildlife:  Hedgehogs, dormice and other wildlife often seek shelter in unlit bonfires. Make sure you check your bonfire for signs of wildlife before you light it, especially if you have been collecting garden debris, twigs, and hedge cuttings for several weeks.

Add Kindling: Place your kindling at the base of the bonfire to ignite it easily. If you can, avoid using lighter fluid, as this can be hazardous and affect the fire’s safety.

Use Fireworks Considerately

Most bonfire night celebrations include fireworks, so planning carefully to make sure you use them safely and respectfully is an important step.

Fireworks being used responsibly on bonfire night

Only Use Legally Approved Fireworks: Only buy fireworks from reputable retailers. Always check the packaging for signs of damage and for safety instructions, too.

Designate a Viewing Area: Create a clear, safe distance for guests to watch fireworks away from the bonfire in the garden.

Spare a Thought for Pets and Wildlife: Many animals find fireworks distressing. Check that your pets are inside during the display, and close your windows and curtains to muffle the sound of fireworks. Silent or low-noise fireworks are a great option too. They’re no less spectacular for your guests but minimise the distress caused to pets and wildlife both in your home and the surrounding area.

Stick to the Instructions: Read and follow all safety instructions on the fireworks packages. Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait at least 30 minutes before disposing of it.

After the Celebrations

As the night winds down and the flames begin to fade, proper extinguishing of your bonfire is crucial for safety, as is the correct disposal of used fireworks.

Let the Fire Burn Down: Allow the fire to die down naturally, watching it as closely as possible.

Use Water or Dirt: Once the fire is mostly out, gently spray with water or sprinkle dirt or sand over the embers to ensure they’re completely extinguished. Stir the ashes to ensure that everything is cold.

Double-check: Make sure there are no hot spots before you leave the area unattended.

Dispose of Used Fireworks: Used firework debris can be a hazard to animals, so do a thorough check after the festivities have died down and ensure that they’re put in the correct bin.

Want to Keep Your Bonfire Night Safe and Stress-Free?

At Qwickhose®, our high-quality, durable hose connectors offer a secure connection and superior hose grip, eliminating pop-offs and ensuring you are well-prepared to tackle any fire-related hazards that might arise during your bonfire in the garden. Whether it’s gently extinguishing flames at the end of the night or handling unexpected sparks, Qwickhose® products give you reliable performance whenever you need it.

Don’t take a chance with your bonfire night safety  – get in touch with us today and equip your garden with robust, durable hosepipe connectors.

a cta image encouraging readers to use Qwickhose® connectors to keep their bonfire night safe

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