Advice has been issued on how everyone can stay safe this Bonfire Night (Sunday, 5 November) and at fireworks events taking place over the next few days.
Advice Direct Scotland and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) are among the organisations to urge everyone to be safe ahead of this weekend's celebrations.
The RoSPA has said that attending an organised display is the safest option. If you are setting off fireworks privately at home then you should take extra precautions to ensure that everyone is safe.
It’s safer to attend an organised event this Bonfire Night if you can.
— Police Scotland Dunfermline (@PSOSDunfermline) November 2, 2023
Think of others if you’re hosting your own celebrations and always follow the Fireworks Code.
See list of organised events and how to keep safe 👉https://t.co/1IMahGtwqG#BonfireSafety#FireworkSafety pic.twitter.com/XXGAgJqr13
If you’re planning to celebrate at home you should know:
- It is illegal to set off fireworks in public places, including streets and parks.
- It is illegal to buy, attempt to buy, give or in any way make a firework available to someone under the age of 18.
- It is illegal to set fireworks off before 6pm and after 11pm. This extends to midnight on 5th November and 1am on Hogmanay, Chinese New Year and Diwali.
- It’s safer to celebrate at an organised event if there’s one in your area, but if you’re planning a private display at home, make sure you know how to keep you and your loved ones safe.
- Keep a safe distance.
- Follow the Firework Code and read instructions before use.
- Not all fireworks are suitable for private use, it depends on the size of your garden – so do your research before purchasing.
Conor Forbes, Advice Direct Scotland’s director of policy, said: “Bonfire Night is a fun time of year with people gathering together to watch fireworks displays.
"But these celebrations will be far more enjoyable if those organising events take care in what they are doing and respect the law and the people around them.
“It is vital to stay safe, and the best advice is to try to attend an officially organised display."
There are a number of firework displays taking place in Fife. These include the Cardenden community bonfire, which will take place today (Friday, November 3) in Wallsgreen Park at 6pm.
Crossford firework display is also taking place this evening at King George V playing fields at 7.30pm. Inverkeithing's firework display will be held on Sunday, November 5, at 7pm in Ballast Bank.
Knockhill Racing Circuit is hosting a firework display on Saturday, November 4, at 5.45pm, but this event is now sold out.
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