This year, there are still a couple of local Bonfire events taking place across North Leeds. A few have been cancelled. Due to this, it is predicted that home displays will be more popular than ever. But how do you keep your home and bonfire safe?

Not every garden may be suitable for a bonfire or fireworks

Remove any branches or obstructions from the garden and cut back foliage. Check the direction of the wind. Watch any fireworks upwind from this, ensuring any flammable downwind materials are removed. Keep buckets of water on standby.

Build your bonfire away from your home and any fences and sheds

You may wish to put up a safety barrier so that everyone knows the boundaries.
When you light the fire, ensure that there are no sleeping animals hidden amongst the branches of
the bonfire. Hedgehogs are particularly creatures to look out for.

Tips for fireworks include:-

• Choose the right fireworks. Check they are marked with British Standard number BS 7114. Only purchase from a reputable shop. Read the instructions carefully.
• Store fireworks in a metal box and take them out one at a time.
• Wear safety goggles, heat-resistant gloves and non-flammable clothing when lighting fireworks.
• Use a long taper stick to light fireworks from the side and at arm's length.
• Supervise children at all times.
• It is illegal to carry fireworks in public if people are under the age of 18 years.
• Aim fireworks away from the crowds and never use petrol or dangerous liquids to light fires.
• Do not let anyone near the display that isn’t there to light them.
• Don’t hand sparklers to children, they can reach a temperature of 1600 deg c.
• Keep naked flames away from fireworks, including cigarettes
• Do not return to a firework once it has been lit, and once the party has finished, check you haven’t
  left any fireworks lying around.
• Do not throw discarded fireworks onto bonfires.
• After the party has taken place, pour water on the remains of the bonfire instead of leaving them to burn out.

By following these guidelines, you can have a safe and wonderful Bonfire night. If you live in Bramhope, Adel or Pool-in-Wharfedale and would prefer to go to an organised bonfire, take a look out for our post that highlights any local events that are taking place.

November is potentially a great time for selling your home; there tend to be fewer properties on the market, which can often result in higher prices and a quicker sale.

If you would like a free market appraisal, call David Phillip FRICS on 01134 676 400
W:davidphillip.co.uk e: info@davidphillip.co.uk a: 86, Leeds Road, Bramhope, Leeds. LS16 9AN
Covering Bramhope, Adel, Cookridge, Pool-in-Wharfedale, Otley and Huby