Bonfire night prep in Exeter
Professional bonfire night prep services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£85-£160
Typical Duration
1.5-3 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Bonfire night prep sorted safely and properly. Bonfire built in the right spot with proper clearances, firework area prepped, safety zones marked. Set up for a safe and enjoyable Guy Fawkes night.
Get Bonfire Night Set Up Safely
You've got the fireworks, the wood's piled up, and November 5th is coming. But you're not quite sure where's safe to build a bonfire in your garden without setting fire to next door's fence or having the fire brigade pay you a visit.
💡 Pro tip: Bonfire Night falls on different days depending on the year. Most people celebrate on the nearest weekend to November 5th. Book early - I get busy in late October and early November with these jobs.
Safe Setup vs Dangerous Setup
| ✅ Done Safely | ❌ Asking for Trouble |
|---|---|
| 15m+ from buildings and fences | Too close to house, shed, or boundary |
| Clear spectator zones marked | Kids and adults too close to fire |
| Firework launch area level and clear | Wonky ground, debris everywhere |
| Checked for underground hazards | Nobody thought about gas pipes or cables |
What Gets Done
🔧 Bonfire Night Prep Includes
| Task | What I Do |
|---|---|
| Site assessment | Find safest location considering buildings, fences, trees, wind direction |
| Area clearing | Remove trip hazards, debris, anything flammable from safety zone |
| Bonfire construction | Build stable structure that'll light easily and burn safely |
| Firework area prep | Level area cleared for firework launch (if using them) |
| Safety zones | Mark safe distances for spectators, buckets, water supply |
📦 You're Set Up With
- Bonfire built in safest possible location
- Clear, level firework launch area
- Safety zones marked and explained
- Advice on lighting and managing it safely
Pricing Guide
| Setup Type | Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Bonfire construction only | 1-1.5 hrs | £60-£85 |
| Bonfire + firework area prep | 1.5-2 hrs | £85-£110 |
| Full setup inc. safety zones | 2-3 hrs | £110-£160 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. You supply the wood.
Perfect For...
✅ First time hosting - want it set up safely
✅ Small garden - need to maximize safe space
✅ Family event - kids will be present, safety is critical
✅ Not sure what's safe - want professional advice
Why Choose Us for Bonfire night prep in Exeter?
Bonfire built safely with proper clearance
Firework launch area prepared safely
All safety distances checked and marked
Debris and trip hazards cleared
What to Expect
Step 1: Site Assessment
I'll walk your garden, check distances from buildings/fences/trees, consider wind direction, look for underground hazards, and determine the safest location for bonfire and fireworks.
Step 2: Area Prep & Build
Clear the areas needed. Build the bonfire structure using your wood - stable base, good airflow, built to light easily. Prepare firework launch area if needed.
Step 3: Safety Briefing
Mark out spectator zones. Show you where buckets of water should go. Give you advice on lighting it safely and managing it through the evening. Leave you ready for the night.
🔧 DIY Tips
Setting up your own bonfire? Here's how to do it safely:
🔧 What you'll need
- Wood supply (pallets, old fence panels, dry branches)
- Kindling and firelighters
- Tape measure (for checking clearances)
- Buckets for water
- Fire extinguisher or hose nearby
- High-vis tape to mark zones (optional but helpful)
🔥 Safe bonfire location
- 15m minimum from any building, shed, fence
- No overhanging trees or washing lines
- Downwind from houses if possible
- Check for underground cables and pipes first
- Flat, level ground
- Nothing flammable nearby (bins, garden furniture, etc)
🪵 Building the bonfire
- Start with a stable base - pallets work brilliantly
- Build upwards in a pyramid - needs air circulation
- Leave space in center for kindling - makes lighting easier
- Don't build too high - 2-3 metres is plenty and safer
- Save some wood - you'll want to add more as it burns down
⚠️ Critical safety
- NEVER use petrol, paraffin, or accelerants
- Keep spectators at least 5 metres back
- Have buckets of water and/or hose ready
- Don't let kids near until fire is completely out (next day)
- Check bonfire site before lighting - animals shelter in wood piles
- Never leave burning bonfire unattended
- Have a plan for putting it out if needed
💡 Pro trick: Build the bonfire the day before or morning of - not days in advance. Gives you time to get it right, but doesn't leave it sitting long enough for it to get soaked in rain or for hedgehogs to move in. Also, check inside the wood pile before lighting - seriously, hedgehogs love bonfire piles.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🎨 Having fireworks too? Make sure you've got a separate clear, level area at least 5 metres from the bonfire for launching fireworks. Never try to set them off near the fire - sparks and fireworks are a bad combination.
Tell your neighbours - even if it's legal and safe, give them a heads-up. Some people need to bring washing in or keep pets inside. Being neighbourly avoids complaints to the council.
After the bonfire - it'll stay hot for hours, sometimes overnight. Keep kids and pets away until it's completely cold. Next day, douse with water and dispose of ashes safely.
Exeter council rules - check current guidance on bonfire restrictions. Some residential areas have rules about smoke nuisance and time restrictions. Better to check first than get a visit from environmental health.
Alternative locations - if your garden's too small or not suitable, consider attending an organized display instead. Much safer and often better fireworks anyway.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does bonfire night prep actually include?
I'll build your bonfire in a safe location (checking clearances from buildings, fences, and trees), prepare a clear area for fireworks to be set off from, clear any trip hazards, and advise on safety zones for spectators. Basically, set everything up so you can enjoy the night without worrying about safety.
How far from the house does a bonfire need to be?
At least 15 metres from any building, shed, or fence if possible. You also need clearance from overhanging trees, washing lines, and anywhere sparks could cause problems. I'll assess your garden and find the safest spot that still gives you a decent bonfire.
Do I need to provide the wood for the bonfire?
Yes - you'll need to have wood ready. I can build the bonfire structure, but sourcing a van-load of wood isn't something I do. Pallets, old fence panels, and dry branches work well. Just nothing treated, painted, or full of nails.
Can you stay for the actual bonfire night?
No - I'm setting up in advance, not supervising on the night. I'll get everything ready safely, give you advice on lighting it and managing it, but you'll need to be the responsible adult on the actual night. I get busy this time of year!
What if it rains before November 5th?
I usually set up the day before or morning of November 5th for this reason. If you want it built earlier and weather's looking dodgy, cover it with a tarp. A wet bonfire is a nightmare to light.
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Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
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