• Build it at least 18 metres from buildings, trees, fences, cars and overhead cables
• Make sure it’s not higher than three metres
• Make sure people stand at least five metres away
• Only burn clean, dry wood
• Don’t burn paint, tyres, bottles, batteries, aerosols or furniture
• Use firelighters to light the bonfire, don't use diesel, petrol, paraffin or white spirit
• Make sure there are no children or animals hiding in the bonfire before you light it
• Have buckets of water nearby

If you see a bonfire being built on public land, please report this to us via Contact Warrington as soon as possible so we can clear it before it’s lit.

If you see a bonfire being built on private land and you’re worried about safety don’t report this to us, report it to Cheshire Fire on 01606 868700 or Cheshire Police on 101. 

Make sure you keep to Cheshire Fire’s firework code. Remember it’s so much safer to attend an organised display, but if you do decide to set off your own:

• Buy fireworks that are CE marked
• Keep them in a closed metal box
• Follow the instructions on each firework
• Light them at arms-length using a taper
• Stand well back
• Never go back to a lit firework
• Never put them in your pocket
• Keep a bucket of water nearby
• Never throw fireworks
• Keep your pets inside
• Don’t mix alcohol and fireworks!

It’s illegal to:

• have fireworks in a public place, if you’re under the age of 18
• let fireworks off after 11pm, except on bonfire night when the cut off is midnight