Tonight is Guy Fawkes Night

Guy Fawkes Night, or Bonfire Night, takes place tonight.

The practice of celebrating Bonfire Night in Canada is largely confined to Newfoundland and Labrador.

There are fires planned in several communities across the province tonight.

The history of Guy Fawkes Night dates back centuries to 1605. The history begins when Guy Fawkes, a member of the Gunpowder Plot, was arrested while guarding explosives beneath the House of Lords.

The Catholic group planned to assassinate King James I and members of parliament. In celebrating that the king had survived, people lit bonfires around London.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has prided some tips to remember.

• The burning of plastics, tires, asphalt products, paint products, used oil, household garbage and treated wood is prohibited.

• Fires should be placed on a gravel base eight to 10 metres from trees or structures;

• Flammable liquids should not be used to start or accelerate a fire, and aerosol cans and pressurized gas cylinders, such as propane cylinders, should not be added to a fire;

• Only adults should add material to the fire, and children should be kept at a safe distance at all times and closely supervised by guardians around a bonfire;

• Property owners in the area of the fire should ensure all combustible materials are properly secured;

• Bonfire organizers should ensure ready access to fire extinguishing tools and supplies; and

• Once finished, the fire should be fully extinguished using water and/or gravel and the bonfire area should be cleared and returned to its previous condition.