North Yorkshire residents urged "not to risk" lighting bonfires at home
Fire officers are telling people to go to organised displays instead
People in North Yorkshire are being urged to go to organised bonfires this weekend and not set off fireworks at home.
Some displays are still going ahead but fire officers are worried people will have their own at home where fires can't be properly monitored and maintained.
They say strong winds could blow flames into hedges, fences and building causing huge fires and potentially hurt people.
Most fireworks have warnings to stand 25 meters away for safety but that won't be possible for most people who intend on having displays at home.
Tony Peel, Fire Prevention Officer for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, said: "Bonfires and fireworks being used by the general public is a dangerous thing. A quick change in wind direction something could catch fire which shouldn't and could cause a lot of harm. It only takes a split second for something to go wrong and emergency services needing to be called.
"They're already stretched. The ambulance service day to day are at capacity and Bonfire Night will be a busy day for them, for the police and for our fire service.
"People having bonfires at home could get too big, they could get too close to fences or buildings and the fire could spread. If you look at a lot of fireworks now, they ask for safety distances to be at least 25 metres and most gardens aren't that big so you can't stand far enough back.
"Please if you want to enjoy the fireworks, do it at an organised event where there are proper marshals there to protect you."
Anyone holding a firework display must also follow the Firework Code. Find advice from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service here
Where are bonfires being held in North Yorkshire this year?
Scarborough Bonfire Night Friday 5 November 2021
Scarborough Bonfire Night is going ahead this year with theme park rides and real-time concert music broadcast throughout the fete.
Guests can participate in marches and try hot dishes and brews from local outlets throughout the evening. Entry from 6pm, ends at 11pm.
Harrogate Stray Charity Bonfire Night Saturday 6 November 2021
Harrogate Round Table have hosted a Bonfire and Fireworks display on the Stray for nearly 50 years but missed their 50th Anniversary event last year due to COVID restrictions.
The bonfire starts at 6:30pm followed by fireworks from 7pm. Entry is FREE but donations will go towards the charity Friends of Harrogate Hospital to help patients of the Harrogate Hospital and District NHS Foundation Trust.
Driffield Showground Friday 5 November
Driffield Showground's fireworks display is returning for its second year. The 2021 events have been designed around the current COVID-19 guidelines and drive-in facilities are available for those wanting a little extra space and a front-of-event viewing area.
Rawcliffe Bar Country Park Saturday 6 November 2021
North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service Community Firework Display is back at the Park and Ride at Rawcliffe Bar Country Park. Tickets start from £5 for children and £10 for adults. The bonfire starts at 7pm with the display starting at 7.30pm.
Selby Community Bonfire and Fireworks Event Saturday 6 November 2021
This free fireworks display takes place at Selby Community Centre with gates opening at 6pm. You can see the bonfire, fireworks display, grab a bite to eat and a hot drink and watch the children play on the fairground rides.
Thornton Hall Country Park Friday 5 November 2021
Thornton Hall Country Park in Sutton-on-Craven is hosting a display from 6pm to 11pm. Prices on the gate are £14.95 for children and £19.95 for adults and it includes the display to music, lights and special FX, the bonfire, children's entertainment, street theatre and a DJ.
Ripon City Bonfire Friday 5 November 2021
Brought to you by the Rotary Club of Ripon Rowels, Ripon Racecourse is hosting its annual bonfire display. Gates open at 5:30pm Bonfire is lit at 7.00pm Firework display begins at 7:30pm.
Poppleton Fireworks and Bonfire 5 November 2021
A bonfire, fireworks and hog roasts are available at The Poppleton Centre this Bonfire Night.
Tickets only available at Poppleton School, Cardland, Poppleton Post Office, The Co-op on the Green and on-line until sold out. They won't be available on the gate!