A lot of us love playing with fire, and bonfire night is a great excuse!

But as anyone who’s ever burnt themselves knows all too well, you need to do it safely so always remember the Fireworks code:

• Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves
• Never give sparklers to a child under five
• Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114
• Keep fireworks in a closed box
• Follow the instructions on each firework
• Light them at arm’s length using a taper
• Stand well back
• Never go back to a lit firework
• Never put fireworks in your pocket
• Never throw fireworks
• Keep pets indoors

So let’s make it a nice night for everyone!

Among the things you might not know though is that:

• You have to be 16 or over to buy ‘novelty’ fireworks, such as sparklers, caps and ‘serpents’ and 18 or over to buy or even possess ‘adult’ fireworks in public
• It is an offence to let fireworks off between 11pm and 7am except on 5th November, Diwali, New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year, when the curfew is midnight
• It is also an offence to set off fireworks in a public place.

If a bonfire gets out of control, move a safe distance away and call the Fire and Rescue Service immediately by dialling 999.
For fire safety advice call 0300 123 4046 or log onto www.hertsdirect.org/fire.