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How to spot a hidden danger on Bonfire fire – ‘Look out and look up'

03 November 2023

With Bonfire Night celebrations planned around the UK this weekend, the UK’s energy operators have reminded people of some simple safety advice to help ensure bonfires and fireworks don’t ruin your evening by damaging electrical equipment or powerlines.

 

The Fire Brigade’s safety advice for Bonfire Night should be followed in full and these tips should help you avoid risks that might be difficult to spot in the dark.

  • Plan ahead: Plan your celebration in advance, preferably in daylight. Take some time to check your surroundings first and make sure you're well away from our overhead power lines and other electrical equipment
  • Look out, look up: Building bonfires and lighting fireworks anywhere near overhead powerlines can be extremely dangerous so make sure you’re aware of any potential hazards overhead
  • Keep your distance: Wind can blow debris, flames and sparks onto overhead powerlines so make sure you’re in a safe location to enjoy the celebration. Remember that electricity can also jump gaps so always keep a safe distance

Jamie Reeve, Head of Safety, Health and Environment at Energy Networks Association (ENA) which represents UK energy networks operators said:

“Every year we see otherwise responsible people getting caught out as they don’t ‘look out, look up’ and end up with their bonfire night celebrations causing damage to infrastructure hanging overhead. Please follow our three tips to help ensure you have a safe night: plan ahead, look out and look up, and keep your distance from overhead powerlines and other electrical equipment.”

About us

Energy Networks Association (ENA) is the industry body representing the energy networks. Our members include every major electricity network operator in the UK. The electricity networks are at the heart of the energy transition. They directly employ more than 26,000 people in the UK, including 1,500 apprentices. They are spending and investing £33bn in our electricity grids over the coming years, to ensure safe, reliable and secure energy supplies for the millions of homes and businesses reliant on power every day.

Press contacts

You can contact ENA's press office by emailing press@energynetworks.org. For urgent or out-of-hours enquiries from journalists, please call 0204 599 7691.