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Bonfire Night 2025 - incident round up

Date

East Sussex Fire and Rescue attended the following incidents between 5pm and midnight on 5 November 2025. 

  • At 5.29pm, we were called to reports of a stray firework catching a window frame alight at a premises on Royal Parade, Eastbourne. Crews used pumping equipment and a fire extinguisher to put the fire out.
  • At 5.36pm, we were called to a car fire in Conqueror Road, St Leonards-on-Sea. Crews used one breathing apparatus and one hosereel jet to extinguish the fire.
  • At 6.28pm we were called to an oven fire in a flat in Jarvis Brook. The fire was out on arrival. Crews used a PPV fan for smoke clearance.
  • At 6.30pm attended flats in Alexandra Road, Heathfield, following reports of the smell of smoke. This turned out to be a false alarm.
  • At 6.33pm we were called to a bonfire on a static caravan building site near Martello roundabout in Eastbourne. One hosereel jet was used to extinguish the fire.
  • At 6.50pm we attended a van on fire on Wellingham Lane, Ringmer. Firefighters used two breathing apparatus and two hosereel jets to put the fire out.
  • At 7.51pm we were called to a residential building alarm in St Marks Close, Bexhill. This turned out to be a false alarm.
  • At 8.03pm we were called to reports of a fire near Maple Road, Peacehaven. This was controlled burning. false alarm with good intent.
  • At 8.09pm crews carried out scene safety checks in Linchmere Avenue, Saltdean, following reports of an unattended bonfire.
  • At 8.42pm we were called to a large bin on fire in Allfrey Road, Eastbourne. Crews used one hosereel jet to extinguish the fire.
  • At 8.48pm we were called to reports of a fire in Links Avenue, Peacehaven. This was controlled burning. false alarm with good intent.
  • At 10.05pm we attended flooding affecting electrics at a property in Hoad Road, Eastbourne. The electrics were isolated and advice given.
  • At 11.35pm we were called to attend the smell of burning from a plug at a property in Lewes Road, Ringmer. This was a false alarm with good intent and crews provided home safety advice.

Thankfully, no casualties were reported at these incidents.

We would like to thank all our crews, Joint Fire Control, multi-agency partners and all those who have worked hard to help keep everyone safe this Bonfire Night. We would also like to thank all the members of the public who have followed our safety advice.

Celebrating Safely

For those who haven’t yet celebrated, please head to an organised local event. Further information can be found on our website:  

Choose Local is back for Bonfire Season! | East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service

Water Safety

We know that some people may be out and about having a drink whilst celebrating bonfire season. Be aware of the dangers when near water, especially when under the influence of alcohol.

With high tides and rain this time of year, riverbanks and edges can be very slippery and dangerous. Stay with friends and stay safe.

For more advice visit: www.esfrs.org/dont-drink-drown

Firework code 

If you are hosting a fireworks party at home, ensure it is both fun and safe by following the Firework Code and observing sparkler and bonfire safety tips. 

Only adults should deal with setting up firework displays – this includes the lighting of fireworks and safe disposal once they have been used (and please remember, alcohol and fireworks do not mix!). Children and young people should always be supervised and watch and enjoy fireworks at a safe distance. 

Follow these top 10 tips for a safer fireworks party: 

  1. Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable, and check the time you can legally set off fireworks 
  2. In England, Scotland and Wales only buy fireworks which carry the UKCA marks. In the case of Northern Ireland look for the UKNI symbol. You may also see the UKNI mark along with the UKCA symbol. Keep your fireworks in a closed box and use them one at a time. 
  3. Always read and follow the instructions on each firework, using a torch if needed. 
  4. Light the firework at arm's length with a taper and stand well back. 
  5. Keep fireworks away from naked flames, including cigarettes. 
  6. Never return to a lit firework. 
  7. Don't put fireworks in your pockets and never throw them. 
  8. Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators. 
  9. Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire. 
  10. Before leaving, ensure the fire is completely out and the surroundings are made safe. 

Bonfire Safety

Fire can spread easily, so where and how you build your bonfire is important. 

  • Build the bonfire away from sheds, fences and trees.
  • Don't leave the bonfire unattended.
  • Keep children and pets away from the bonfire.
  • Once the bonfire has died down, spray the embers with water to stop it reigniting.

More advice at: Bonfires | East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service

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