Be aware of these fire risks this Bonfire Night weekend

Key takeaways

• Searches for “home fireworks” have risen 157% in the past year, suggesting growing interest in DIY displays.

• Fireworks, bonfires, and even sparklers can pose a serious risk to homes and neighbouring properties.

• Practical steps for a safer celebration include testing smoke alarms, checking insurance cover, and appointing a fire marshal.

Google search data reveals that searches for “home fireworks” have grown by 157% in the last year,¹ suggesting there may be increasing interest in hosting at-home displays rather than attending organised events.

Figures from the London Fire Brigade show that its Control Officers received 831 calls on 5 November last year, the highest number on Bonfire Night since 2016 and a 20% increase on 2024.²

Why DIY Bonfire Night celebrations could put your home at risk

While hosting a bonfire or firework display at home can be an enjoyable way to celebrate, homeowners should not underestimate the potential risks.

Bonfire Night is a popular occasion for families and friends to come together, and it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of hosting your own celebrations.

However, fires can spread quickly, and even seemingly harmless items such as sparklers can reach extremely high temperatures – as much as 2,000 degrees, which is 20 times hotter than boiling water.³

A moment of carelessness or lack of concentration could cause severe damage to your property.

It's important that homeowners understand the risks before lighting a bonfire or setting off fireworks, particularly when celebrating in residential areas where nearby homes, sheds, fences and gardens could also be affected.

Practical tips to reduce safety hazards on bonfire night

To help homeowners enjoy Bonfire Night safely and avoid potentially costly accidents, Kara shares a five-step checklist to follow before hosting celebrations at home, including:

1. Appoint a fire marshal

This may seem a bit of a novelty but nominating someone in your friendship group to take on the role of fire marshal is a simple way to make sure someone is always on top of safety.

Their job is to read the manufacturer’s instructions, place sparklers in a bucket of water straight after using them and make sure fire routes are kept clear in case of emergency.

2. Don’t ignore the beep 

With fireworks, sparklers and bonfires making plenty of noise, the last thing you want is for your smoke alarm to be silent when you need it most.

Before the celebrations begin, take a moment to test your smoke alarms and make sure they're working properly. If you've been ignoring that irritating low-battery beep, now is the time to do something about it! 

Having a working smoke alarm can give you vital extra time to react if a fire breaks out, helping to protect both your home and the people inside it.

3. Don’t use your bonfire as a bin

Your bonfire should never become a convenient way to get rid of household rubbish. Avoid burning painted or treated wood, plastics, aerosols, batteries or anything containing chemicals, as these can release harmful fumes or cause dangerous explosions.

4. Check your insurance

Before inviting friends and family over, take some time to review your home insurance policy and understand exactly what is covered.

Buildings insurance can help protect the structure of your home against certain types of accidental fire damage, while contents insurance can cover your belongings. However, the circumstances of an incident and the terms of your policy will determine whether a claim is successful.

It's also worth checking whether your policy includes personal liability cover, particularly if you're hosting guests. Don't assume you're automatically covered for every accident that could happen during your celebrations.

5. Keep your windows shut 

It might be tempting to open the windows to watch the fireworks from the comfort of your living room, but smoke and firework debris can easily find their way inside.

Keep windows and doors closed while the display is taking place, particularly if the wind is blowing towards your home. This can also help reduce the noise for pets and anyone who might be sensitive to loud bangs.

_Sources

<sup>1. Google search data. Retrieved and accurate as of 04.11.26
2. London Fire Brigade
3. Merseyside Fire &Rescue Service</sup>