AS Bonfire Night approaches, Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service is warning people not to take risks with fireworks.

The fire service said that although most people treat fireworks appropriately, a small minority treat them as toys and forget that they are actually explosives. They want people to make sure they stay safe this November 5 by following this advice:

* Keep fireworks in a closed metal box and take them out one at a time.

* Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on each firework. Read them by torchlight, never use a naked flame.

* Light fireworks at arm’s length using a safety firework lighter or fuse wick.

* Stand back after lighting and never go back to a firework once lit – it may go off in your face.

* Keep a bucket of water handy and douse used fireworks with water or place them in a metal container.

* Keep children under control and keep pets indoors.

Bonfires present additional hazards when it’s dark. If you must light a bonfire in connection with a fireworks display, then:

* Site the bonfire well away from houses, garages, fences, overhead cables and any fireworks.

* Build the stack so that it is stable and will not collapse outwards or to one side.

* Don’t burn foam-filled furniture, aerosols, tins of paint or bottles.

* Never use flammable liquids, such as paraffin or petrol to light the fire.

* Before lighting it, check that no pets or children are hiding inside it.

* Keep everyone away from the fire, especially children.

* Keep buckets of water, the garden hose or a fire extinguisher ready and pour water on the embers before leaving.