Services urge safety during autumn celebrations and Bonfire Night

Summarised from 2 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 27 Oct, 06:08 · Archive

Emergency services are urging people to use LED candles and attend organised firework displays during Halloween, Diwali and Bonfire Night.

St John Ambulance and Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service are urging people to take precautions during Halloween, Diwali and Bonfire Night celebrations. The services are warning that fireworks, bonfires and candles can lead to accidents if not handled carefully.

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service recommends using LED or battery-operated candles instead of real candles, particularly around children, pets, costumes and decorations. During 2025/26, there were 844 candle-related fires recorded in England. If real candles are used, they should never be left unattended and should be kept well away from anything flammable. The service also advises attending organised firework displays rather than setting off fireworks at home.

St John Ambulance has provided first aid guidance for burns. The organisation recommends moving someone away from the source of heat and cooling the burn under cool running water for at least 20 minutes. Jewellery and clothing near the injury should be removed unless stuck to the skin, and the burn should be loosely covered with a sterile, non-fluffy dressing or clean cling film. Medical advice should be sought for serious burns, particularly those affecting the face, hands, feet, genitals, major joints, or involving young children. In severe or life-threatening cases, 999 should be called immediately.

How it is being reported

• Bonfire Night warning as St John Ambulance shares lifesaving first aid tipsSt John Ambulance has shared first aid advice for burns, eye injuries and smoke inhalation ahead of Halloween, Diwali and Bonfire Night.Bracknell News · 27 Oct, 05:00
• Fire service urges safer celebrations for Halloween and Bonfire NightRoyal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) is reminding residents to celebrate Halloween, Diwali, and Bonfire Night safely.Bracknell News · 27 Oct, 05:00
• Bonfire Night warning as St John Ambulance shares lifesaving first aid tipsSt John Ambulance has shared first aid advice for burns, eye injuries and smoke inhalation ahead of Halloween, Diwali and Bonfire Night.Reading Chronicle · 27 Oct, 05:00
• Fire service urges safer celebrations for Halloween and Bonfire NightRoyal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) is reminding residents to celebrate Halloween, Diwali, and Bonfire Night safely.Reading Chronicle · 27 Oct, 05:00

In this story: St John Ambulance · Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service · Sue Hampshire · Paul Scott

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