Religious celebrations

Celebrations or religious observance

For many people, cultural and religious festivals are an enormously important part of life, but during celebrations it's easy to get distracted and be less aware of the risk of fire.

Bonfire night safety

Kent Fire and Rescue Service Community Safety Service Delivery Manager, Charlie Smith said: "Bonfire night can be great fun for all the family but it is important that people celebrate safely. It is always best to attend an organised display but if you are planning your own, please make sure you follow the firework code.

"Many accidents are caused by improper use of fireworks and by carelessness. Figures show that more children than adults get hurt by fireworks."

He added: "Bonfires are a lot of fun too, but they can be dangerous. If you are having a bonfire this year, we urge you to take care and to follow our simple tips on our website, to make sure you and others are safe and acting lawfully."  

• Get more bonfire and firework safety tips 
• Government guidance on organising a firework display

Diwali

During Diwali, the Festival of Lights, fire crews in Kent are reminding Sikh, Hindu and Jain communities celebrating the festival to do so safely.

While the idea behind Diwali and the manner of celebration varies from region to region, the essence remains the same; to rejoice in the Inner Light (Atma) or the underlying reality of all things (Brahman). Celebrations often include fireworks, the lighting of candles and small earthenware oil lamps called divas and cooking special meals for family and friends.

KFRS Principal Community Liaison Officer, Pirthipal Kang, said: "This is a special time for many in our community and we want to ensure that safety remains a priority throughout the celebrations.

"Divas and candles have the potential to cause serious fires if not used correctly so make sure these are extinguished before you leave the room. When cooking with hot oil always remember to watch your cooking carefully and remove pans from the heat source if you need to leave the kitchen. Keep in mind that traditional clothing, such as saris, and long hair can also be very flammable.

"I would also like to remind those celebrating to ensure they have a working smoke alarms fitted on every floor of your home. When the festival gets underway you may forget to do this so test alarms beforehand to help keep your friends and family safe."

Follow these safety tips to help enjoy a safe Diwali

• use only enough ghee for a Diva to last your Puja and make sure that it rests securely on a heat resistant surface.
• keep flames at a safe distance from curtains, furniture, decorations and loose clothing.
• when cooking with deep-fried food, dry it before you put it in the hot oil.
• never fill the pan more than one third full of oil.
• never throw water over a burning pan.
• fit smoke alarms on each floor of your home and test them regularly.
• fireworks safety advice
• candles and tea lights safety advice

For further advice on how to keep you, your family or a neighbour safe from fire call Kent Fire and Rescue Service for free on 0800 923 7000 or email your contact details to [email protected].