Bonfire Night safety plea as firework incidents increase
The Welsh Ambulance Service has urged people across Wales to stay safe this Bonfire Night, as emergency services prepare for one of the busiest evenings of the year.
Crews expect a spike in 999 and NHS 111 Wales calls for firework-related injuries, burns and smoke inhalation. Last year alone, the service received 1,142 emergency calls and 1,763 non-emergency calls on Bonfire Night.
Judith Bryce, Assistant Director of Operations for the Welsh Ambulance Service, said:
“Bonfire Night is a high-pressure evening for all emergency services across Wales so we’re asking the public to take extra care, follow safety guidance, and help protect themselves, their families, and their communities.
“Many injuries, particularly burns, are preventable by following the Firework Code and taking simple precautions. If you do suffer a burn, it’s important to act quickly and correctly.”
What to do if you suffer a burn:
- Move the person away from the heat source.
- Cool the burn with cool or lukewarm water for 20 minutes – do not use ice, creams or greasy substances.
- Remove clothing or jewellery near the burn unless stuck to the skin.
- Keep the person warm with a blanket, but avoid contact with the burn.
- Cover the area with cling film or a clean plastic bag.
- Take painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain relief.
- Only call 999 for serious or life-threatening emergencies.
The service is also reminding people with asthma to carry inhalers, stay upwind of bonfires, and avoid smoke exposure where possible.
Judith added: “Our crews might have to withdraw from a scene if their safety is at risk, which helps no one. A split-second act of aggression can have lasting physical and emotional impacts on our staff. Let’s make this Bonfire Night a memorable one for the right reasons.”
Firework safety concerns rise nationally
According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), 2024/25 saw a 42% increase in firework-related fires compared to the previous year.
Home Office data recorded 264 incidents linked to fireworks over the past year, up from 185 in 2023/24. More than 75% of incidents were attributed to human error, often involving outdoor fires in bins, grassland or vehicles caused by improper disposal.
Rebecca Guy, Senior Policy Manager at RoSPA, said:
“Fireworks are powerful explosives, not toys. Only adults should handle them and never mix alcohol with lighting fireworks. Store them safely in a closed box, light at arm’s length with a taper, and never go back to a lit firework.
“The shocking rise in incidents over the past year is a stark reminder of the dangers they pose when misused. We strongly advise families to attend organised displays wherever possible, as they are far safer than home-based celebrations.”
RoSPA and the Welsh Ambulance Service both recommend attending official, professionally managed displays wherever possible, as they are safer and better supervised than private events.
More firework safety advice can be found on the NHS 111 Wales and RoSPA websites.
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