AS Clackmannanshire gears up for Bonfire Night, NHS 24 and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are urging people to stay safe, writes Dan Vevers.

If holding your own party, the Fire and Rescue Service strongly advise against tending to bonfires or handling fireworks under the influence of alcohol.

If holding a party in a public place, the consumption of alcohol is illegal and could lead to criminal charges.

They also suggest using only paper-based materials and untreated wood for bonfires to reduce the emission of harmful smoke, which must not pose a public nuisance or reduce visibility on the roads.

Finally, they advise against using flammable liquids to ignite fires or leaving a burning or smouldering fire unsupervised.

The advice from NHS 24 concerns how to treat minor burns, although medical director, Professor James Crooks added: “More serious burns – especially anything to the face, hands, arms or feet – will need treating at A&E.”

In the case of minor burns, NHS 24 advises cooling the burn with lukewarm or cool water for 10 to 30 minutes – but not with ice, creams or greasy substances.

Other tips include covering the burn with cling film, keeping the wound clean, not bursting any blisters and making sure the person keeps warm.

Both NHS 24 and the Fire and Rescue Service say that attending an organised display is preferable to hosting your own party.

The Alloa Bonfire and Fireworks Display will be held in West End Park tomorrow (Thursday).

Hosted by Alloa Round Table, gates open at 6pm. The bonfire starts at 7pm and the fireworks will be going off at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £3 for adults or £2 for children, with live music from Nae Danger.

Meanwhile, Dollar is holding its own display a couple of nights later at Newfield by the Health Centre, on Saturday.

The event kicks off at 6.30pm, with fireworks at 7pm. Admission is £3 for adults or £1 for children.

Dollar Community Council said its rocket-launching team has “an even bigger box of goodies planned for this year”.

Both events are requesting that attendees do not bring their own fireworks or sparklers.