Staying Safe During Diwali

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) works closely with the Lancashire Resilience Forum and local partners to help keep people safe around Diwali.

Diwali, the Hindu New Year festival, is celebrated by many households in Lancashire, specifically around Preston. With people celebrating Diwali, we are asking people to please do so safely and follow our advice around cooking, candles and fireworks.

Diwali is known as the ‘Festival of the Lights’ and sees an increase in the use of ‘diyas’ or oil lamps and candles used around the home. It is believed that light signifies goodness therefore various lamps are burnt throughout the day and into the night to ward off darkness and evil.

To keep safe this Diwali, please follow these simple safety guidelines.

Fireworks and Diwali

You can read more about fireworks safety on our dedicate webpage. However, we encourage everyone to follow the fireworks code below. These safety tips will help to protect you and your family if you decide to celebrate Diwali by setting off fireworks.

  • Only buy fireworks which carry the CE mark, keep them in a closed box and use them one at a time.

  • Read and follow the instructions on each firework using a torch if necessary.

  • Place on a stable surface, light the firework at arm’s length with a taper and stand well back.

  • Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks.

  • Never return to a firework once it has been lit.

  • Dispose of fireworks by soaking in a bucket of water for several hours, bag it and bin in your usual black bin once completely cool.

  • Don’t put fireworks in pockets and never throw them.

  • Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators.

  • Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire.

  • Keep pets indoors and ensure children are safe and a good distance away from the fireworks.

  • If using sparklers ensure they are held in a gloved hand at arm’s length and there is a bucket of water to put them in once the sparkler is out.

What to do in an emergency

Accidents can happen and it’s important to know what to do if they occur.

In the event of a fire, get out, stay out, and call us out via 999. Our firefighters will be there as soon as possible.

If anyone’s clothing sets on fire, remember to stop, drop, and roll. This will help put the fire out more quickly and prevent more serious burns.

Cooking family feasts and tasty treats

  • Almost half of all accidental fires in the home in Lancashire are cooking related.

  • Keep it clean, keep it clear – your cooker and hob.

  • Distractions could be disastrous – don’t leave pans unattended.

  • Don’t fill your pan with more than one third of oil.

  • If the oil starts to smoke, turn off the heat and leave it to cool.

  • Never pour water over hot oil.

  • Clothing ignites quicker than you think – keep scarves and long sleeves tied back.

  • Only use appliances like pressure cookers if they were purchased
    from the UK and carry the CE mark.

  • Ensure you have a working smoke alarm on each level of your home.

  • If a fire does start, don’t try to fight it yourself. Get out stay out, and call 999.

You can find more cooking safety advice on our website.

Lighting up your home

  • Secure candles and diyas in a proper holder and at a safe distance from curtains,
    decorations and clothing.

  • Keep them out of reach for children.

  • Consider swapping candles for battery-operated LED tea lights.

  • Use only enough ghee or oil for a diya to last your puja.

  • It is common practice during Diwali to leave candles burning all day
    but please extinguish candles and diyas when you leave the room, the house or go to bed.

  • Be careful if using incense sticks.

  • Ensure you have a working smoke alarm on each level of your home.

Please read our latest candle fire safety information.

Happy Diwali from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service

We’d like to wish happy Diwali to everyone celebrating the Hindu festival of lights. We hope Diwali brings happiness, prosperity and joy to you and your families.