The RSPCA has issued urgent advice ahead of Bonfire Night, warning that hedgehogs and other wildlife could be seriously injured if organisers do not take extra care before lighting a fire.
The animal welfare charity said autumn brings Bonfire Night for people and hibernation for some wild animals, and that celebrations can have severe consequences on their welfare. Hedgehogs, dormice, frogs, toads and insects can hide among piles of wood, leaves and other natural materials used to build a bonfire.
Why hedgehogs are at risk
Hedgehogs are especially vulnerable because a mound of branches and garden debris can look like an ideal place to nest or hibernate. If a fire is lit without a thorough check, animals may become trapped in the flames and sustain serious burns or die.
The RSPCA advises building a bonfire on the day it is scheduled to be lit, rather than leaving a heap of materials standing for several days. The longer the pile remains in place, the greater the chance wildlife has to move inside and settle.
How to check a bonfire safely
Anyone who must prepare a bonfire in advance should inspect it thoroughly and take steps to prevent animals from entering. Before lighting, people should gently lift sections with a broom handle or similar pole and use a torch to examine the pile, taking care not to harm any concealed animals.
A fork or rake should not be used, as its prongs could injure a hedgehog or other creature. The RSPCA says the most thorough method is to relocate the entire pile by hand immediately before lighting, inspecting the materials as they are moved.
Lighting the fire safely
When the bonfire is ready, it should be lit from one side or corner rather than the centre, giving any overlooked animal a chance to escape from the unlit side. People should also listen carefully, as a disturbed hedgehog may hiss.
The British Hedgehog Preservation Society offers similar guidance through its “Stop, Move, Check” message, urging people to consider whether a bonfire is truly needed. If a fire is essential, the charity suggests moving the materials to a fresh site just before burning and checking the entire pile.
For anyone who finds an injured hedgehog, the RSPCA advises taking it to a vet, and its wildlife guidance explains how to handle an animal in distress safely. A few minutes spent inspecting a bonfire could prevent a celebration from becoming a catastrophe for wildlife.
