November 04, 2026 - 144 views
People across North Wales are being urged to take extra care with fireworks and bonfires ahead of Bonfire Night, with major public displays planned in Rhyl and Holyhead.
North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, North Wales Police and the Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust have joined forces to encourage people to celebrate safely and avoid preventable injuries.
The appeal comes as families prepare to mark November 5, with firefighters recommending that people attend organised displays rather than arrange their own fireworks parties at home.
In Rhyl, an organised display is being supported at Brookes Field, while in Holyhead celebrations will take place at Penrhos Beach, where the bonfire is due to be lit at 6pm, followed by fireworks after dark.
The potential dangers of fireworks are highlighted by figures published by the Welsh Government last year. The Welsh Centre for Burns and Plastic Surgery at Morriston Hospital had treated more than 60 firework-related injuries since 2019.
The Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust also received more than 1,100 emergency 999 calls and a further 1,700 calls to NHS 111 Wales on Bonfire Night in 2024.
North Wales Fire and Rescue Service says the number of incidents involving fireworks and bonfires attended by crews has fallen considerably as more people have chosen organised displays.
But anyone planning a home display is being reminded that fireworks are explosives and must be treated with care.
People should only buy fireworks from registered or licensed retailers, either in shops or online, and check that products carry the appropriate CE or UKCA safety marking. Fireworks should never be bought from unknown sellers on social media, temporary unlicensed stalls or the back of a van.
Adult fireworks cannot legally be sold to anyone under 18. Buyers should also check the category and safety distances printed on the packaging before purchasing, to make sure they have enough space to use them safely.
Fireworks should be kept in a closed box, taken out one at a time and lit at arm's length using a taper. People should read the instructions carefully, stand well back and never return to a firework once it has been lit, even if it appears not to have gone off.
Children should never be allowed to handle or light fireworks and must be supervised throughout any display. Sparklers should not be given to children under five, and older children should wear gloves and be closely supervised. A bucket of water should be available for used sparklers.
Parents are also being reminded to keep children well away from bonfires and to make sure they do not play with fireworks or pick up discarded items.
Pet owners are being urged to think ahead, as loud bangs and flashes can be particularly frightening for dogs, cats and other animals.
Dogs should be taken for walks before fireworks begin, while cats and dogs should be kept indoors with somewhere comfortable and quiet to hide. Closing curtains, keeping windows shut and putting on television or music can help reduce the impact of noise.
Small outdoor animals should be given extra bedding and somewhere to shelter. Owners of horses and other livestock are also encouraged to let neighbours know if they are planning fireworks and to take account of nearby animals.
North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is also reminding people never to use petrol or paraffin on a bonfire, to keep fires well away from buildings, trees and fences, and to make sure everything is fully extinguished before leaving.
Head of Fire Safety Paul Kay says the public should follow the Firework Code and show consideration for neighbours, emergency workers and animals.
Fireworks must not normally be set off between 11pm and 7am, although the legal cut-off on Bonfire Night itself is midnight.
If someone suffers a burn, the advice from the Welsh Ambulance Service is to cool the affected area under cool or lukewarm running water for 20 minutes, remove nearby clothing or jewellery where it is not stuck to the skin, and cover the injury loosely with cling film or a clean plastic bag. Serious injuries should be assessed urgently.
The message from the emergency services is that Bonfire Night should be an enjoyable occasion, but a little preparation and consideration can help prevent it ending with an unnecessary trip to hospital.
