Stay Safe While Marking VE Day

As communities mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, beacons and hundreds of “lamp lights of peace” are expected to be lit across the UK in celebration.

From cities to small villages, people across the UK, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man will join in this national moment - recreating the spirit of May 8th, 1945, when jubilant crowds lit bonfires and beacons to celebrate peace in Europe.

If you’re planning to light a beacon, please do so safely. 

Prioritising fire safety means everyone can enjoy the commemorations without unnecessary risk.

•    Conduct any relevant risk assessments - considering the access and egress of fire engines - ensure an appropriate emergency plan is in place.
•    Before setting up a beacon, ensure you have permission from the landowner or relevant authorities.
•    Inspect the beacon for any damage, corrosion, or malfunction.
•    Locate the bonfire at least 60m away from buildings, roads, railways and public rights of way, and a safe distance from dangerous materials and overhead power lines. 
•    Keep children and pets safe, ensure they are supervised, and establish a clear boundary to prevent them from getting too close.
•    Have a water supply nearby, keep a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher to hand. It’s better to be prepared than risk a dangerous situation.
•    Never leave a fire unattended; always ensure that someone responsible monitors the fire.
•    Use only wood for combustible materials. Do not burn dangerous items, such as foam-filled furniture, old tyres, aerosols or tins of paint.
•    Avoid lighting the beacon in strong winds, as wind can cause flames to spread unpredictably and pose risks to nearby structures and people.
•    The safest and recommended approach is to use paper and solid firelighters in six places just inside the walls of the beacon to ensure an even burn. Never use flammable liquids, such as paraffin or petrol.

You can view more safety advice here.