'Celebrate safely' - West Yorkshire firefighters and police issue warning ahead of Bonfire Night

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) and West Yorkshire Police have joined forces to appeal to residents across Leeds and the wider region to "celebrate safely" this Bonfire Night.

With emergency services preparing for one of their busiest nights of the year, officials are strongly encouraging families to attend organised public displays rather than hosting private events at home.

District Commander Dale Gardiner warned of the severe risks associated with unsupervised fireworks and bonfires, saying: "Bonfire Night can be a time of celebration for us all, but it also has the potential to leave people with serious injuries if we don’t take precautions.

“Fireworks and bonfires can be the cause of serious burns or out-of-control fires if we don’t take care, so we’re encouraging people to celebrate, but to do so safely.

He continued: "We’d always recommend going to an organised display, but if you must celebrate at home, simple tips can keep you safe. Never return to a lit firework, throw fireworks or carry them in your pocket. If choosing to have a bonfire, keep it well away from buildings, garages, fences and flammable materials, ensure it is always supervised and have water nearby."

Extra police patrols and crackdown on anti-social behaviour

West Yorkshire Police confirmed an increased officer presence will be deployed across neighbourhoods on November 5 to reassure residents, restrict illegal firework sales alongside Trading Standards, and tackle anti-social behaviour.

Chief Superintendent Sareth Humpage said: "As in previous years, we will have an additional policing presence on our streets on 5 November to reassure residents and help keep communities safe: “We hope those taking part in the Bonfire celebrations have an enjoyable evening and urge those using fireworks to do so safely and responsibly in line with the advice from the fire service.

“We will of course investigate reports of anti-social and criminal behaviour involving fireworks and use all means at our disposal to identify and take action against those responsible."

Chief Supt Humpage also asked the public to be mindful of emergency service workloads when calling, urging people to use online reporting options where possible and reserve 999 strictly for emergencies or crimes in progress.

Essential safety rules for home displays

For those choosing to host private celebrations at home, WYFRS has outlined critical safety measures to prevent injuries and accidental fires:

• Buy certified fireworks: Only purchase CE-marked fireworks from registered, reputable sellers, store them safely, and follow instructions closely.
• Maintain safe distances: Always stand well back from lit fireworks, keep children and pets at a safe distance, and never return to a firework once lit.
• Sparkler safety: Wear gloves when handling sparklers, supervise children at all times, and place used sparklers straight into a bucket of water.
• Bonfire positioning: Build bonfires far away from houses, sheds, fences, trees, and flammable materials. Keep water nearby and never leave a bonfire unattended.
• Avoid accelerants and hazardous waste: Never use petrol, paraffin, or other accelerants to light a bonfire, and never burn aerosol cans, batteries, or pressurised containers.

WYFRS is also hosting its own official bonfire and fireworks event, with full details and ticket information available directly on the fire service website.