Industrial action by Fire Brigades' Union members is set to continue with strikes announced for bonfire night and Diwali weekend – in addition to the previously announced strike on Monday 1 November (10am to 6pm), firefighters will now be striking from 10am on Friday 5 November to 9am on Sunday 7 November.
While a contingency fire and rescue service will continue to operate, the London Fire Brigade has advised Londoners to exercise caution during the strike.
- If you have a fire, call 999.
- Take extra care – especially when you are cooking or smoking.
- Know what to do if you have a fire – get out, stay out, call 999.
Safety advice for bonfire night
Every year amateur firework displays and bonfires get out of hand. It's much safer for people to attend organised displays.
You can make bonfire night safer by following the London Fire Brigade's advice.
- Only buy fireworks marked with the British Standards kite mark BS7114.
- Don't drink alcohol if you're setting off fireworks.
- Keep fireworks in a closed box and always follow the instructions carefully when you use them.
- Light them at arm's length using a taper and stand well back.
- Never go back to them once they're lit. Even if a firework hasn't gone off, it could still explode.
- Never throw fireworks and never put them in your pocket.
- Respect your neighbours. Don't let off fireworks late at night – and remember there are laws to follow.
- Take care with sparklers – never give them to children under five. Even when they have gone out they are still hot so put sparklers in a bucket of water after you've used them.
- Keep your pets indoors throughout the evening.
Find out more
You'll find more bonfire and firework safety advice on the London Fire Brigade website.
Download the London Fire Brigade fire safety flier (pdf, 536KB).
Download the London Fire Brigade home fire safety guide (pdf, 802KB).
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