How to build a bonfire on November 5 - and the things you should never do

As people are already setting off fireworks in their back garden ahead of Bonfire Night, revellers will be lighting bonfires this week as well.

With their cosy and communal feel, they are a great way to celebrate Bonfire Night with others during these dark autumn nights. And, obviously, bonfires are in the name of the very holiday.

The experts at GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk are offering their do’s and don'ts for bonfire safety to anyone looking to build their own this bonfire season.

In order to conform to British standards, fireworks should be CE marked and have BS 7114 written on the box.

All precautions and safety information can be found on the box alongside the manufacturer’s instructions. These should be read and followed intently to avoid dangerous displays.

Sitting around a bonfire with food, drinks and good chat is a great way to spend Bonfire Night, but it comes with safety risks - here's what you should and shouldn't do.

How to safely build a bonfire

Building a bonfire comes with safety risks (Getty)

• Consider placement - Bonfire builders should ensure the fire is positioned away from sheds, fences, trees and other outbuildings.
• Avoid wildlife - Large mounds of leaves and dirt need to be avoided when picking a location for the fire, as these can often be hibernating homes for hedgehogs in the autumn months.
• For anyone that is planning to build the bonfire a while ahead of time, ensure that no animals have taken shelter under it before lighting.
• Pay attention to the wind direction as once lit, the smoke will drift in the direction of the wind.
• Prepare a water supply or hose pipe close to the site of the bonfire to dampen it down or distinguish the flames.
• Once the fire has died down, make sure to spray the embers with water to stop the fire from reigniting unexpectedly.

What NOT to do when building a bonfire

Do not leave bonfires unattended (Getty Images/Axiom RM)

• Build your fire around dead grass, dry leaves, branches or any bark.
• Use treated or painted wood on the fire. Wood that is covered in paint may cause safety concerns when trying to distinguish the fire due to the paint being flammable.
• Leave a bonfire unattended.
• Use damp materials - these cause excess smoke and can lead to a large uncontrollable fire. One tip is to try and bend any wood before throwing it into the fire. Any wood that bends rather than breaking is too moist and should not be used.
• Use petrol, paraffin or accelerants to encourage the fire as these can easily lead to a loss of control of the fire.
• Allow animals or children around the fire unattended.
• Drink anything from a can around the fire, as the fumes from aluminum are toxic.
• Leave the site of the bonfire until you are sure that the flames have all gone out and there is no change of reignition.
• If any bonfires appear to be getting out of control this Bonfire Night, back away from the fire and call 999 immediately. Request the Fire & Rescue Service.