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  2. Family, home and community
  3. Support and safety in your home
  4. Fire prevention

Bonfire safety

There is no such thing as a completely safe bonfire. Bonfires can pose a very real risk to public safety and property.

Safety measures

If you feel that it is absolutely necessary to have a bonfire you should follow the safety guidelines.

Talk to any neighbours before having a bonfire and be careful what materials are used in the bonfire e.g.

  • damp material can cause excess smoke,
  • tyres, plastics, paints and materials containing foam can produce large amounts of smoke & toxic fumes,
  • aerosols, cylinders and canisters may explode causing injury
  • don’t throw any fireworks into the fire
  • build any bonfire away from property, sheds, fences, trees, communications masts and main roads etc.,
  • check there are no cables, electricity or telephone wires, above or close to the bonfire,
  • do not  use petrol, paraffin or accelerants to start or encourage the fire as it may cause injury or a loss or control of the fire
  • make sure the bonfire is always supervised – do not leave the bonfire unattended at any time
  • keep children and pets away from the bonfire
  • if a bonfire gets out of control, call 999 and ask for the Fire & Rescue Service

Once the bonfire has died down, spray the embers with water to stop it reigniting.

Getting rid of your garden waste without a bonfire.

You can get rid of your garden waste without making a bonfire. Most garden waste, like grass cuttings and leaves, can be recycled by composting.

  • Composting and disposing of garden and kitchen waste
  • Waste and recycling

More useful links

  • Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service
  • Fire safety outdoors - barbecues, camping and the countryside
  • Fire prevention
  • Support and safety in your home
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Fire prevention

  • Bonfire safety
  • Electrical safety
  • Fire safety advice for parents and child carers
  • Fire safety for thatched buildings
  • Fire safety in caravans and mobile homes
  • Fire safety in high-rise accommodation
  • Fire safety in the home
  • Fire safety on boats
  • Fire safety outdoors - barbecues, camping, countryside
  • Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service
  • Smoke alarms and fire emergency equipment

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