SAFETY experts at Oxfordshire County Council have advised people not to risk staging their own firework displays.

The council has issued a statement saying the safest way to celebrate Bonfire Night is to attend a professionally-organised public display.

It has urged those who do opt to buy their own for November 5 to only purchase CE-marked fireworks, from reputable and licensed shops.

The authority's Trading Standards team will be giving businesses advice on the responsible sale and storage of fireworks, and checking they meet the necessary safety standards.

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It will also be test-purchasing from Oxfordshire stores in the lead-up to the night, to ensure no retailer is breaking the law by selling to under 18s.

Lee Swain, community safety manager at Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Organised fireworks displays are more fun, cheaper and far safer than hosting your own fireworks or bonfire party.

"If you are planning on using fireworks for a private event, please keep the Fireworks Safety Code in mind.

"Remember, only buy fireworks from a reputable retailer. Before purchasing, seek advice on the suitability of fireworks for the space available, and check that they meet current safety standards."

The code can be found via www.saferfireworks.com.

The council's top safety tips for Bonfire Night, provided by its fire service's 365alive safety campaign, are:

  • Only buy CE marked fireworks from reputable and licensed shops
  • Keep fireworks in a closed, metal box
  • Light the firework at arm's length with a taper and stand well back
  • Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks
  • Don't put fireworks in pockets and never throw them
  • Never return to a firework that has not gone off, and never throw used or unused fireworks onto a bonfire
  • Never drink alcohol while lighting a bonfire or setting off fireworks
  • Always supervise children and don’t give sparklers to a child under five
  • Keep your bonfire at least 18 metres away from houses, trees and hedges. There should be a barrier around the bonfire to keep spectators five metres away.
  • Only burn dry wood, never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire and think about the direction of smoke travel
  • Keep some buckets of water nearby
  • Have consideration for those around you, including notifying neighbours who may have pets or farm animals
  • Consider where fireworks and debris might fall, ensuring safety distances are provided for people to keep safe. Safety distances are provided on each firework label or package
  • Do not put fireworks into your bin

Anyone with concerns that retailers are not storing fireworks appropriately, selling fireworks that do not display a CE mark, or selling to anyone under 18, should contact Trading Standards.

They can also provide safety advice on disposing of unused or damaged fireworks.