Dr Barry Norton, Research Fellow, Milestone Systems discusses the utilisation of AI video technology for Bonfire Night.

Bonfire Night is one of the busiest nights of the year for the UK’s emergency services.

The London Fire Brigade reports an approximate 50% increase in callouts during the Bonfire Night period.

Meanwhile, Crisis Response data indicates that hospital emergency departments treat around 1,000 individuals for firework-related injuries in the weeks surrounding 5 November.

On top of this, police also record a seasonal rise in burglaries, as unattended properties become easier targets while attention is focused elsewhere.

For businesses, the risks are clear. Stray fireworks, unsupervised bonfires and crowds carrying flammable materials create serious fire hazards.

Meanwhile, overstretched emergency services mean it’s even more important that premises have the right systems in place to detect problems quickly and escalate alerts efficiently.

For security managers and business owners, this time of year is not about celebration: It’s about preparing for increased fire hazards, potential anti-social behaviour and stretched emergency services.

Modern-day cameras, sensors and video management software (VMS) are your secret weapon in mitigating the risks of Bonfire Night and other holidays where fireworks and other flammable materials are present.

Hidden risks beyond the bonfire

Despite obvious dangers, research shows that safety often falls down the list of priorities.

Crisis Response has reported that just one in three bonfire night hosts say that they focus on safety, with more people concerned about food and drink supplies (34%) than protecting their guests (32 per cent).

Among younger adults, the numbers are even starker, with only 16 per cent prioritising safety, compared to 26 per cent who prioritise the size of their bonfire.

This lack of focus makes it all the more important for businesses to plan ahead.

Having the right security systems in place becomes essential for quick detection, faster response and effective coordination.

Intelligent video for rapid responses

Modern security systems and processes enable a proactive approach to security that alerts operators to a risk before it worsens or in some cases, before it even occurs.

For instance, a thermal camera can detect heat signatures in real-time, alerting teams to a potential fire (or other sudden rise in temperature) before the flames spread.

Visual cameras can provide additional confirmation of the emergency and relay critical contextual information such as where the fire is occurring and if it is spreading.

When combined with a VMS, these alerts can be instantly relayed to site managers, security operators or even directly to local fire services for a coordinated response.

By connecting detection systems to mobile devices and command centres, operators are kept constantly informed.

This allows ground teams to act immediately while emergency responders can be guided with clear situational insights such as fire location, spread, and potential casualties.

Alongside fire prevention, smarter video systems also play a role in discouraging opportunistic crime, which typically spikes during Bonfire Night.

With large crowds and the distraction of celebrations, vacant business premises can become attractive targets for burglars.

Visible surveillance, supported by AI-driven monitoring, acts as a deterrent while also giving operators real-time awareness of any suspicious behaviour.

Automatic alerts for unauthorised entry or loitering ensure incidents are addressed before they escalate.

This not only protects property but also provides reassurance for staff and customers that safety remains a priority, even during the busiest and most unpredictable nights of the year.

Coordination is key

When it comes to emergency response, speed and coordination make all the difference.

That’s why integrated systems are so powerful. Cameras, audio sensors, fire alarms, access control and even drone footage can now be brought together into a single interface through a modern VMS.

That way, instead of juggling multiple systems and screens, operators have a centralised view that surfaces the most urgent insights: The number of people in an affected area, whether fire is spreading or if access routes are blocked.

For a more coordinated response, this can even appear on a smart wall where multiple stakeholders can view critical information in real-time.

Ground teams can receive the same updates via mobile feeds, ensuring they are always aligned with control room decisions.

Audio monitoring can also play a role, picking up sounds like breaking glass, shouts or explosions that may indicate a fire or dangerous crowd behaviour.

On a wider scale, for large events or sites, drones and GPS tracking can support responders by surveying risk areas ahead of time, guiding ambulances via the safest routes, or even helping locate people in need of assistance.

Consolidating all systems

One common challenge that business leaders can face is trying to modernise an existing system.

They may also have a fragmented security system where upgrades have been made to some features, such as alarms or access control, but not others.

This duplication and inefficiency can cause some emergencies to be missed.

A modern VMS can consolidate this to help systems ‘talk’ more effectively to each other and put critical information in a single place so operators don’t have to constantly switch between platforms.

Consequently, teams can make faster, more informed decisions to reduce fire risk, respond to emergencies, and analyse post-events.

Beyond the night: long-term value

The value of advanced security and fire detection technology goes beyond surviving Bonfire Night.

Video analytics and smart sensors generate a wealth of data that can be used to improve operations year-round.

For example, foot traffic analysis can inform event planning or help ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, such as building occupancy.

Conversely, it can also help to improve the customer experience by reducing crowding and deterring anti-social behaviour.

Thermal cameras can be used to keep stock within specific temperature parameters or to detect and avoid equipment failure (through overheating).

Building safer celebrations…and sites, all year round

By embracing intelligent video systems that empower more proactive fire and emergency management as well as security, businesses can protect their people, property and communities 24/7/365.

Integrating all cameras, sensors and other data sources in a VMS ensures that operators remain completely up to date with every threat and event, while optimising the post-event investigation process.

The risks and challenges of Bonfire Night may be annual, but the benefits of smarter security systems last all year round.