Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service are working hard to reduce the number of deliberately started small fires, such as rubbish fires and bonfires, across our county. Last year, they responded to 218 deliberately started small fires over the bonfire period—a reduction of 18.7% compared to the previous year.

You can help reduce these incidents by ensuring you never give combustible materials to anyone, especially young people. Make sure your wheelie bin is secure and any flammable materials are out of sight.

The message is clear: enjoy the bonfire season, but make safety your priority.

Lighting a bonfire in a public place is illegal. Bonfires can be dangerous if they get out of control, so it's best to think carefully before having or attending one.
If you’re planning to have a bonfire, follow these simple guidelines:
- Only hold bonfires on private land with the owner’s permission.
- Burn only dry materials. Wet or damp materials produce more smoke.
- Ensure there are no overhead cables, such as telephone wires, near the bonfire.
- Build the bonfire well away from buildings, sheds, fences, and trees.
- Never use petrol or paraffin to start the fire - it can easily get out of control.
Once the bonfire is lit, take these precautions:
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby in case of emergencies.
- Never leave the bonfire unattended.
- Keep children and pets at a safe distance.
- Never throw fireworks into the fire.
- Do not burn aerosols, tyres, canisters, or materials containing foam or paint, as they may release toxic fumes or explode, causing injury.
- When the fire has died down, pour water on the embers to prevent it from reigniting and ensure it is fully extinguished.
If you plan to set off fireworks at home, always buy them from reputable suppliers. Store your fireworks in a closed box, away from open flames or cigarettes—never carry them in your pocket.
When lighting fireworks, point them away from people and carefully follow the instructions on the packaging. Always light them at arm’s length using a taper, then step well back. Remember, even if a firework appears to be a dud, it can still explode unexpectedly, so keep a safe distance.
For sparklers, wear gloves and have a bucket of water nearby to dispose of used sparklers safely. Light one sparkler at a time, and never give a sparkler to a child under five.
Key Points to Remember:
- It is illegal to carry fireworks in public if you are under 18.
- Fireworks cannot be sold to anyone under 18.
- Fireworks must not be let off between 11 pm and 7 am, except on Bonfire Night (until midnight), New Year’s Eve, Diwali, and Chinese New Year (until 1 am).
- It is against the law under the Explosives Act 1875 to tamper with or modify fireworks.
Safety Tips for Your Firework Display:
- Fireworks are designed to explode, so they can still pose a danger even if they haven’t gone off.
- Only adults should handle fireworks and set up displays.
- Plan your display to ensure it’s safe and enjoyable.
- Read and follow the instructions on each firework, using a torch if needed.
- Light fireworks at arm’s length with a taper, then stand well back.
- Keep all flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks.
- Never return to a firework after it has been lit.
- Don’t carry fireworks in your pocket, and never throw them.
- Aim rocket fireworks well away from spectators.
Outdoor pets
If possible, bring your outdoor pets inside.
- Move animals in their hutches, like guinea pigs or rabbits, to a garage or shed.
- Soundproof their cages by putting a breathable blanket over the top.
- Give them some extra bedding so they have somewhere to hide if they do get scared.
Indoor pets
If you know there's going to be fireworks, keep your pets in the house.
- Shut any windows and doors so they can't run off if they do get frightened.
- Make sure blinds and curtains are closed.
- Build them a den in an area they feel safe in. This could mean putting an extra blanket on their bed.
- Try turning up the TV or music so they're distracted by familiar sounds.
If your pets are unsettled, it's important not to get cross with them or make too much of a fuss of them.
Give them some space and treat them as you would normally.

Report Illegal Bonfires and Rubbish Build-Up

If you spot an illegal bonfire being built in a public space - such as a park, playground, street, or grassland - report it to your local council for removal before it’s lit.

Contact Your Local Council