Safety advice shared ahead of Bonfire Night

Islanders are being reminded of the rules around fires and fireworks as part of Bonfire Night celebrations.

The States of Guernsey said public bonfires could be held between Tuesday and Saturday next week with schools, sports clubs and scouts groups all planning to host events.

It reminded people planning smaller gatherings that fires must be limited to clean wood and dry garden vegetation and bonfires must not be used to dispose of waste materials or produce dark smoke.

Organisers were asked to register events with the States so neighbours, pet owners and others who may be affected by noise were aware.

Fireworks could be sold until Thursday and the States said ideally they should only be used on Bonfire Night itself.

They can be set off between Tuesday and Saturday if there is poor weather on Bonfire Night.

Anyone planning a firework display within three miles (4.8km) of the airport must notify staff there seven days in advance, officials said.

Tobin Cook, director of environmental health and pollution regulation at the States, said Bonfire Night "can be enjoyed safely and responsibly by everyone" if organises spend time planning their events.

He said there was guidance covering "everything from safety and being considerate to neighbours, to reducing any impact on wildlife and animals".

"Bonfires should be used only to celebrate Guy Fawkes' Night and not as a way of disposing of household or other waste," he said.

The GSPCA urged people to check material stacked for bonfires for hedgehogs which may be sheltering there.

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