HEREFORD and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service is urging everyone to stay safe as they celebrate Bonfire Night and Diwali. 

Diwali, the Hindu festival of light, starts this year on Sunday, October 30 and runs for five days and Bonfire Night is held annually on November 5. 

The service is encouraging those taking part in the festival to be vigilant around fireworks as well as with any candle (including tea lights or oil lamps) used in the home as part of their celebrations and people who are holding their own Bonfire Night displays are advised to follow the below safety advice:

  • Use fireworks marked with British Standards Institution (BSI) Kitemark BS7114.
  • Keep fireworks in a closed metal box, making sure to take them out one at a time.
  • Follow the specific instructions carefully. Read the instructions in daylight or by torchlight, never by a naked flame.
  • Light fireworks at arm’s length with a taper and stand well back.
  • Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks.
  • Never go back to a firework once it is lit. Even if it hasn’t gone off, it could still explode.