This is bonfire night—or Guy Fawkes night—across the province, a centuries-old tradition of setting bonfires stemming from the Gunpowder Plot of 1605.

While long outlawed in St. John’s, many municipalities host community bonfires, but those have in large part been cancelled this year due to COVID.

That means many municipal fire departments will be on the ready as they anticipate smaller bonfire celebrations to be carried out by residents.

Chief Joe Power of the Lab City Fire Department says a good first step is to inform your local fire department that you plan on having a bonfire.

Choose the right location says Power, make sure your bonfire is well away from structures, make sure there are no animals hidden in your boughs or palettes and keep people, especially young children, away from the flame.

Power also encourages people to have a good water supply close by.

The Corner Brook Fire Department also encourages anyone hoping to host a fire to do so within their personal bubbles, as per public health recommendations.