As communities across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight prepare to celebrate both Bonfire Night and Diwali this week, we are encouraging residents to stay safe and help prevent avoidable fires and injuries.
With Bonfire Night taking place on 5 November and Diwali, the Festival of Lights, being celebrated on 7 November, many families will be enjoying fireworks, candles, oil lamps and home-cooked meals over the coming days. By taking a few simple precautions, everyone can enjoy the celebrations safely.
The reminder comes as data shows firefighters continue to see a significant increase in incidents around Bonfire Night. During the week surrounding Bonfire Night (1 to 8 November), crews attended 80 fires in 2025. Since 2020, firefighters have attended more than 550 fires during the Bonfire Night week across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Be a bright spark with fireworks and bonfires
The safest way to enjoy fireworks is by attending an organised display. If you are planning a celebration at home,
- Always follow the firework code available on our website in different languages.
- Only buy fireworks from a licensed seller.
- Read and follow the instructions on each firework.
- Light fireworks at arm’s length using a taper and stand well back.
- Never return to a firework once it has been lit.
- Keep children and pets away from fireworks.
- Have a bucket of water nearby at all times.
- Build bonfires away from houses, sheds, fences, trees, and overhead cables.
- Never use flammable liquids like paraffin or petrol to light the fire.
- Keep a bucket of water or garden hose nearby – in case of emergencies.
- Don’t leave the bonfire unattended.
- Keep children and pets away from the bonfire.
- Don’t burn aerosols, tyres, canisters or anything containing foam or paint as these can produce toxic fumes or explode.
- Make sure that the fire is out, and surroundings are made safe before leaving.
Sparkler safety
Sparklers are seen as a harmless way of allowing young children to participate in the thrill of fireworks night – THIS IS NOT TRUE – a sparkler can reach temperatures of 20 times the boiling point of water.
- Never give sparklers to children under the age of five.
- Make sure older children wear gloves and hold the sparkler at arm’s length.
- ALWAYS have a bucket of water nearby to put used sparklers in – hot end down.
Take care with candles and diyas
Candles and traditional oil lamps are an important part of many Diwali celebrations, but they can quickly start a fire if not used safely.
To reduce the risk:
- Place candles and diyas in suitable holders on stable surfaces.
- Keep them away from curtains, decorations, clothing and other combustible materials.
- Never leave candles or oil lamps unattended.
- Extinguish them safely before going to bed or leaving the room.
- Consider using LED alternatives where possible.
Burns advice:
If you or someone you know does suffer a burn:
- Move the casualty away from the fire.
- Cool the burn for at least twenty minutes under cold running water. This will help to reduce any pain and swelling.
- Once the burn has been cooled, cover it with clean cling film. This helps to reduce the risk of infection and helps to reduce the pain by stopping the cold air getting to the burn.
- Do not burst any blisters.
- If the burn is bigger than the casualty’s palm or is deep, call 999. You should also call 999 if the burns are on the casualty’s face, hands or feet.
- Treatment advice for minor burns can be accessed through the NHS 111 Service or through your local urgent treatment centre.
As Bonfire Night and Diwali light up Hampshire and the Isle of Wight this week, residents are being encouraged to make safety part of the celebrations. By taking a few simple precautions, everyone can help ensure the only things lighting up the night are fireworks and festive displays.
