Bonfire and Fire Safety

02 November 2023 at 10:01:03

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Trading Standards, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Police Scotland are encouraging residents to be wary of the dangers of fireworks and bonfires ahead of 5th November.

With Bonfire night fast approaching we would ask that you familiarise yourself with the safety advice regarding bonfires and ensure you are aware of the laws around bonfires and firework displays.  We would urge you to be mindful and respectful of others, including neighbours and households with pets.

Jane Gibbons of CNES Trading Standards, said

"We licence Western Isles retailers in which fireworks are stored. Those properties are inspected to ensure that the fireworks are safely stored and are of minimal risk to persons, animals or property.  We also investigate complaints relating to the safety and sale of fireworks and monitor compliance with underage sales requirements. Further restrictions on the sale and use of fireworks came into place on 30th June 2021.  These limit the time of day, to between 7am and 6pm, where fireworks can be sold / supplied.  If you are planning an organised bonfire event, we strongly recommend filling out an Event Safety Plan and have your Risk Assessments ready for your own records prior to your Further information can be found on the Bonfire and Fireworks Page on our website."

Constable Calum Macdonald, Police Scotland, Stornoway said,

"The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend an organised display.  We would like to remind the public that it is illegal to buy, give or make available fireworks to someone under the age of 18, and the period when you can set off fireworks is now between 6pm and 11pm, extended to midnight on 5th November."

Dougie Campbell, Group Commander with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: 

"We want the public to enjoy Bonfire Night in a safe way and we always recommend going to an organised display wherever possible. Bonfires have the potential to endanger nearby properties and smoke can become a nuisance to neighbours.   Fireworks can also cause serious injury, as well as a lot of distress for many people and animals if they are used inappropriately.   Our Community Action Teams continue to work with our partners to promote safety messaging.   We also urge people who choose to hold or attend events involving fireworks to do so safely, think of others and follow the Fireworks Code."

The public can find local organised bonfire events on the Organised firework events page  on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Website and we also encourage local event organisers to add their event to it.

For advice on how to minimise risks on Bonfire Night visit the Bonfire safety   page on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Website.

For firework safety information, including the fireworks code, please visit the Firework safety   page on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Website.