Jubilee Celebrations – Stay Safe

On 2 June, beacons will be lit by communities across the UK to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Please read the following advice to ensure that you stay safe whilst enjoys the celebrations.

• Please let us know if you plan to light a beacon.

Preparing the beacon

• Set up the beacon well away from anything that could catch fire, taking into account wind direction.
• Make sure that the smoke plume will not affect residential areas, roads, and access points (again, taking into account the wind direction).
• When lighting a controlled burn (such as a Jubilee beacon), remember it is illegal to leave a fire unattended or to have too few people to control it.

Lighting and managing the beacon

• Never use accelerants (such as lighter fluid, petrol, white spirit, methylated spirits and paraffin) to light the beacon.
• Light the fire using tapers on long poles (at least 2m).
• Keep a source of water nearby in case the fire needs extinguishing.

Public Safety near the beacon

• Ensure you have a well-constructed cordon between the fire and the people (distance will depend on the size of the fire).
• Have first aid facilities available, including a burns pack.
• Make sure that you have plenty of highly visible marshals who have received some instruction to help control the crowd.

• Use water to put the fire out.
•  Always ensure that a fire is completely out before you leave it and check the next day to ensure that it has not reignited.

• On the day, remember to leave space for a fire engine or ambulance which may need to come down your street at any time.

• An important part of planning a street party is to ensure that emergency services are aware of any road closures.
• To close roads, residents will need permission from the council traffic/highways departments.
•  Councils will consult with emergency services as part of the process. 

• If you plan to have a celebration for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee at non-domestic premises, you need to consider the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
•  This legislation places a duty on you to carry out an appropriate fire risk assessment and act upon the findings.

If people have consumed alcohol, please ensure they are not involved in the use of fireworks or BBQs. Encourage people to plan their journey home, and do not be tempted to drink-drive.

• Only buy fireworks with a CE mark. 
• Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.
• Keep fireworks in a closed box.
•  Never go near a firework that has been lit – even if it has gone off, it could still explode.
• Follow the instructions on each firework.
• Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them.
• Light them at arm’s length, using a taper.
• Never give sparklers to a child under five.
•  Stand well back.
•  Always supervise children around fireworks.
• Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves.
• Read the full Firework Safety advice.

We do not recommend using these due to the fire hazards and risks they pose to property, crops, animals and the environment.

Please see our website for more information.

• Make sure your barbecue is well away from sheds, fences, trees and shrubs.

• Keep children and pets away from the cooking area.
•   Set up your barbecue on level ground. 
•  If you have a gas barbecue always store gas cylinders outside. 
•  Use only approved lighter fluids and only ever on cold coals. 
•  Keep a bucket of water, sand, or a garden hose nearby for emergencies.
• ·Be careful when cooking fatty foods, the dripping fat can cause the barbecue to flare up.  
•  Don’t leave a lit barbecue unattended.
• Don’t cook if you’re affected by alcohol or prescription drugs. 
• Don’t take a barbecue indoors – even when the flames aren’t visible, it can still give off carbon monoxide fumes, which can be deadly.
•  See our website for further advice.