---
title: "Jersey issues Bonfire Night safety and fireworks guidance"
url: https://www.nsfw.info/jersey-bonfire-night-safety-fireworks-guidance/
published: 2026-11-02T10:31:00+00:00
modified: 2026-11-02T10:31:00+00:00
author: "Chief Editor"
categories: ["News"]
image: https://www.nsfw.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/jersey-bonfire-night-safety-fireworks-guidance-1024x572.webp
summary: "Jersey's environmental health team has reminded islanders of bonfire and fireworks rules ahead of Bonfire Night, covering waste burning, sales dates and airport"
publisher: NSFW (https://www.nsfw.info)
---

# Jersey issues Bonfire Night safety and fireworks guidance

**In brief:** Islanders planning Bonfire Night bonfires or fireworks displays are being reminded of safety and environmental rules. Fires must be kept to clean wood and dry garden vegetation, and must not be used to dispose of waste. Retailers may sell fireworks from 29 October until the end of the working day on 5 November.

## What the rules say

With Bonfire Night falling this week, the environmental health team has issued a timely reminder to anyone thinking of lighting up the night sky, or indeed just a pile of garden clippings. Bailiwick Express reports that bonfires must be restricted to clean wood and dry garden vegetation, and must not produce dark smoke or be used as a convenient excuse to get rid of household rubbish.

Tobin Cook, Director of Environmental Health and Pollution Regulation, struck a reassuring tone: “Bonfire Night is an occasion many islanders look forward to each year, and with a little planning it can be enjoyed safely and responsibly by everyone.” He encouraged organisers to read the guidance available online and to contact the team on 221161 to register their event.

“The advice covers everything from safety and being considerate to neighbours, to reducing any impact on wildlife and animals,” Cook added. “Bonfires should be used only to celebrate Guy Fawkes’ Night and not as a way of disposing of household or other waste.”

## Fireworks: timing, sales and airport rules

On the commercial side, retailers are permitted to sell fireworks from Thursday 29 October until the end of the working day on Thursday 5 November. Displays should ideally be held on Bonfire Night itself, though an alternative evening between Tuesday 3 and Saturday 7 November may be used if poor weather or other circumstances make the designated night impractical.

Anyone organising a public or private display is encouraged to register details in advance, giving neighbours, pet owners and anyone else likely to be disturbed by the noise fair warning of what is coming. It is a small courtesy that can make a considerable difference, particularly for those with anxious animals.

There is also an aviation consideration worth noting. Anyone planning a fireworks display within three miles of the airport must notify Guernsey Airport at least seven days in advance by completing the Safeguarding Permits and Event Applications form. Local organisers in the relevant area should ensure that paperwork is in order well before the rockets go up.

## Wildlife and neighbourly considerations

Beyond the rules on smoke and waste, the guidance also addresses the broader environmental picture. Organisers are asked to be mindful of the impact on wildlife and domestic animals, both of which tend to take a dim view of unexpected explosions. Checking bonfires for hedgehogs and other small creatures before lighting is standard advice at this time of year, and the environmental health team’s guidance covers this alongside the noise and safety aspects.

## The NSFW Perspective

There is something endearingly British about the annual ritual of reminding people not to set fire to their rubbish and call it a celebration. The guidance is sensible, the tone is friendly, and the advice to phone ahead if you are planning to launch fireworks near an airport is the sort of thing that really ought not to need saying, yet here we are. A little common sense goes a long way. Light responsibly, check for hedgehogs, and perhaps spare a thought for the dog next door.

*Source: [Bailiwick Express](https://www.bailiwickexpress.com/news-ge/playing-with-fire-bonfire-night-organisers-given-safety-reminder)*