Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service issued the warning on 2 November 2026, ahead of Bonfire Night, after the county saw its highest number of firework-related fires in five years during 20251. The service said the increase showed that fireworks can be dangerous if not used responsibly, and that simple safety precautions can help keep families, pets and communities safe1.
Local data shows that most firework-related fires in Warwickshire are accidental. Between October and December over the last six years, almost 60% of recorded firework-related fires were caused accidentally, often when fireworks landed on combustible materials outdoors, and that period accounts for around 75% of all firework-related fires attended in the county1. The service did not give the number of fires recorded in 2025 or in earlier years1.
Councillor Robert Gisbourne, Portfolio Holder for Fire & Rescue, Community Safety and Flooding at Warwickshire County Council, said:
"Bonfire Night is a fantastic opportunity for families and communities to come together and enjoy local celebrations. However, fireworks can cause serious injuries and fires if they are not used safely. We would encourage residents to attend organised displays wherever possible and, if using fireworks at home, to follow the safety advice carefully to help keep themselves, their families and their communities safe."
The service is encouraging residents to choose organised displays, where professional safety measures, risk assessments and emergency plans are in place1. It also urges residents to follow the Firework Code and its safety tips, which include attending a professional display instead of hosting one, buying only fireworks that carry the CE mark and storing them in a closed metal box, and keeping fireworks away from trees, fences and property to prevent accidental fires1. The tips also cover reading the instructions on each firework, never returning to a lit firework, not setting off fireworks on a balcony or while under the influence of alcohol, supervising children at all times and having a bucket of water ready when using sparklers1. Used fireworks should be left to cool completely, soaked in water and placed in a suitable bin1.
Why it matters for households
The warning applies to households in Warwickshire ahead of Bonfire Night 2026, and the data covers the October to December period, when around 75% of the county's firework-related fires have been attended over the last six years1. The service advises that pets are kept safe and indoors during Bonfire Night, because loud noises and bright flashes can frighten animals and stray fireworks pose a serious threat1. It advises residents to attend organised displays wherever possible and, if using fireworks at home, to follow the safety advice carefully1. General guidance on fireworks, sparklers and bonfires is set out in the site's guide to fireworks, sparklers and bonfires, part of its home emergencies coverage.
What happens next
Bonfire Night follows on 5 November 2026. The service has pointed residents to its outdoor fire safety and fireworks safety pages for seasonal advice1. No further figures or follow-up announcements have been reported1.
Fireworks and Bonfire Safety
