Tyne and Wear is a proud and diverse community where people come together throughout the year to celebrate cultural, religious, and personal occasions. From lighting candles and preparing special meals to hosting family gatherings and using fireworks, these traditions bring joy – but they can also increase fire risks in the home and community.
We’re here to help everyone celebrate safely. Below, you’ll find common fire risks associated with celebrations and simple steps to keep your festivities safe and enjoyable.
Risks and Safety Tips
Fireworks and Bonfires
Risks: Burns, garden fires, property fires, delayed ignitions
Safety Tips:
- Attend an organised firework display where possible.
- Buy fireworks with a CE marking.
- Remember, it is illegal to set off fireworks in the street.
- If hosting your own display, follow all safety procedures.
- Never return to a lit firework or throw fireworks.
Candles, Diyas and Oil Lamps
Risks: Easily knocked over, placed near curtains, left unattended
Safety Tips:
- Place on a stable, heat-resistant surface, away from anything flammable.
- Use LED or battery-operated alternatives where possible.
- Never leave lit candles or lamps unattended or near children or pets.
- Fully extinguish all flames before going to bed.
Cooking for Guests or Religious Festivals
Risks: Unattended cooking, overfilled pans, distractions during large gatherings
Safety Tips:
- Stay in the kitchen while cooking, especially with oil or deep frying.
- Keep children away from cooking areas.
- Don’t cook if you’re tired, distracted, or under the influence of alcohol.
- Keep tea towels and packaging away from the hob.
Decorations and Indoor Displays
Risks: Flammable materials, overloaded plug sockets, candles near decorations
Safety Tips:
- Keep decorations away from heat sources and flames.
- Never run fairy lights under carpets or through doorways.
- Turn off decorative lights before bed or when leaving the house.
- Only use UK-standard electrical items.
Overloaded Sockets and Extension Leads
Risks: Overheating, electrical fires during high-use periods
Safety Tips:
- Never overload plug sockets – use one plug per socket.
- Avoid daisy-chaining extension leads.
- Check for frayed wires or loose connections.
Bonfires and Outdoor Fires
Risks: Rapid spreading, property damage, illegal or unsafe burning
Safety Tips:
- Attend an organised event rather than risk your safety.
- Build bonfires at least 18 metres away from buildings, trees, and fences.
- Never use flammable liquids to start a fire.
- Burn only clean, dry timber.
- Keep bonfires under three metres high and ensure spectators stay at least five metres away.
- Have a water supply (hosepipe or bucket) nearby.
- Never leave a bonfire unattended.
- Fully extinguish the fire before leaving.
Sky Lanterns
Risks: We discourage the use of sky lanterns due to fire risks and dangers to livestock, as they can ignite fires and cause harm through ingestion or entanglement; if used, precautions should be taken.
Safety Tips:
- Avoid alcohol when using lanterns.
- Keep water nearby in case of fire.
- Launch away from trees, power lines, and buildings.
- Never use damaged lanterns or launch in high winds.
- Stay clear of roads, airports (5-mile minimum), and flammable areas.
Celebrate Safely With Us
Whatever you’re celebrating – Diwali, Eid, New Year’s Eve, birthdays, weddings, or religious holidays – our message is the same: celebrate safely and help protect your home, loved ones, and community.
If you or a family member would benefit from a free Safe and Well Check, get in touch. We’re here to help keep our community safe all year round.
