Autumn safety tips

We would urge people to think twice about having a bonfire. Lighting a bonfire in a garden presents significant risks to residents if they get out of hand.

However, if you're determined to go ahead with your own bonfire, for safety's sake follow the advice of the Fire Service:

• Bonfires are only allowed on private land with the owner’s permission and MUST be supervised by an adult at ALL TIMES.
• Check the weather - avoid lighting bonfires in high winds. Don't light the fire if it's windy in case burning embers blow away and start fires
• Bonfires should be at least 18 metres from buildings, sheds, trees, fences, overhead cables and car parking areas
• Bonfires should be no more than three metres in height. There should be a suitable barrier around the bonfire to keep spectators five metres away
• Only clean dry timber should be burned
• Don't burn aerosols, batteries, bottles, foam-filled furniture, tins of paint or tyres
• Don't leave bonfires unattended
• Don't use petrol, paraffin, diesel, white spirit or mentholated spirit to light the bonfire - use firelighters instead
• Always check that no children or animals are hiding in the bonfire before lighting it
• Keep some buckets of water nearby in case of emergency and to damp down after the event
• Always extinguish your bonfire once your party has finished - keep water handy (bucket or hosepipe) in case of a fire and to ensure the fire is completely out before leaving
• If you're having a firework display, make sure you light the bonfire afterwards so there's no risk of sparks or heat from the fire setting off the fireworks. Never put fireworks on the fire
• Don’t leave bonfires unattended. An adult should supervise it until it has burnt out. If it has to be left, damp it down with plenty of water

If you see an illegal bonfire being built in a public space, such as a park, playground, street or on grassland, report it for removal before it's lit to your local council, find out more below.

Bins are often set on fire this time of year, putting homes and people in danger as well as wasting the resources of our, already stretched, emergency services. Make sure you:

• Keep your wheelie bins somewhere safe and secure.
• Keep bins away from windows, doors and fences.
• Only put bins out on collection day and move back in as soon as they are emptied.

Other tips:

• Help to protect yourself from burglars by ensuring your home is secure whilst you are out trick or treating or visiting a firework display. Leave a TV or light on or use a timer to make it look like someone is at home.
• Get rid of your waste that could be set on fire, find out more about getting rid of waste here.

If you plan to set off fireworks on your own property, only use fireworks bought from reputable suppliers that display a CE mark and the safety code BS 7114. Keep fireworks in a closed box, well away from open flames or cigarettes. Never keep them in your pocket.

When you light your fireworks point them away from people and follow the instructions on the packaging. Light them at arm’s length using a taper, then stand well back. If you’ve lit a firework, it could still explode, even if it looks like it hasn’t gone off, so keep away from it.

Wear gloves when using sparklers and keep a bucket of water nearby to dispose of used sparklers. Only light one sparkler at a time. Never give a sparkler to a child under five.

It’s important to remember:

• It’s against the law to carry fireworks in public if you are under 18.
• Fireworks must not be sold to anyone under 18.
• It’s an offence to let fireworks off between 11pm-7am – except on Bonfire Night (until midnight), New Year’s Eve, Diwali & Chinese New Year (until 1am).
• It is an offence under the Explosives Act 1875 to tamper with or modify fireworks. Have fun, stay safe and be considerate to your neighbours.
• Fireworks are designed to explode, so even if it hasn't gone off, it could still explode and cause injuries.
• Only adults should deal with setting up firework displays
• Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable, and ensure it finishes before 11pm
• Only buy fireworks which carry the CE mark, keep them in a closed box and use them one at a time
• Read and follow the instructions on each firework using a torch if necessary
• Light the firework at arm's length with a taper and stand well back
• Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks
• Never return to a firework once it has been lit
• Don't put fireworks in pockets and never throw them
• Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators

Find out more about firework safety here.

Everyone has a right to live in peace, free from disturbance and nuisance. For a safe community we rely on you to report incidents of ASB and Criminality should you witness this or become a victim. You can help us by:

• Reporting anyone who is selling illegal fireworks or selling fireworks to children to the Police.
• Reporting bonfire collections/storing of wood or other items that you see in your area.

See contact details below.

Lighting a bonfire in a public place is illegal. A public space is anywhere other than your own back garden - fire spreads quickly and could be toxic.

If you see an illegal bonfire being built in a public space, such as a park, playground, street or on grassland, report it for removal before it's lit, by contacting your Local Council!

If you see a bonfire being built or a build-up of rubbish/fly tipping on private land and you’re worried about safety report it!

• Liverpool City Council on 0151 233 3000 or online.
• St Helens Council on 01744 676789 or online.
• Warrington Borough Council on 01925 443322 or online.

Liverpool devolved councils (Knowsley, Sefton, Wirral, Liverpool) – to find your council visit: www.gov.uk/find-local-council

If you see a bonfire being built or a build-up of rubbish or fly-tipped materials on private land and you’re worried about safety report it to the Fire Service or Police:

• Merseyside Fire on 0800 731 5958 (9am-5pm, weekdays) or Merseyside Police on 101 – you can also report via their Facebook and Twitter (but please note they are not monitored 24/7).
• Cheshire Fire on 01606 868700 or Cheshire Police on 101 – you can also report via their Facebook and Twitter (but please note they are not monitored 24/7).

You can also report via their Facebook and Twitter (but please note they are not monitored 24/7).

If it is happening on Torus land, you can report directly to us, by calling 0800 678 1894, emailing info@torus.co.uk or speaking to your Neighbourhood Officer.