The safest way to enjoy fireworks is at an organised public display. If using fireworks at home, follow the instructions carefully, keep everyone at a safe distance and never return to a lit firework. Sparklers can also cause serious burns and must be handled with care.
Fireworks and sparklers are enjoyed during celebrations such as Bonfire Night, Diwali, New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year.
However, incorrect use can cause serious burns, injuries and fires, putting people, animals and nearby property at risk.
Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service encourages everyone to attend organised public displays wherever possible. If you choose to use fireworks at home, taking the right precautions can help prevent accidents and keep everyone safe.
Key Safety Advice
- Attend an organised public firework display wherever possible.
- Only buy fireworks from reputable, licensed retailers with appropriate UKCA or CE safety markings.
- Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions before lighting fireworks.
- Keep fireworks in a closed box and take them out one at a time.
- Keep spectators, particularly children, at the safety distance stated on the packaging.
- Light fireworks at arm’s length using a suitable taper, then move away immediately.
- Never return to a firework once it has been lit, even if it fails to go off.
- Keep fireworks away from buildings, fences, sheds, trees and other flammable materials.
- Never handle fireworks after drinking alcohol.
- Keep a bucket of water nearby in case of an emergency.
What You Need to Know
Why is it safer to attend an organised firework display?
Organised displays are managed by experienced people with appropriate safety arrangements in place to protect spectators.
Attending a public display also removes the risks associated with storing, handling and lighting fireworks at home.
How can I use fireworks safely at home?
Before planning a display, make sure your outdoor space is suitable for the fireworks you intend to use.
- Check the minimum safety distances on the packaging.
- Keep fireworks away from buildings, fences, sheds, trees and flammable materials.
- Keep children, spectators and animals away from the firing area.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for positioning and securing fireworks.
- Avoid using fireworks in strong winds.
- Keep unused fireworks safely stored away from the firing area.
If you cannot meet the safety requirements, do not use the fireworks.
How can I buy and store fireworks safely?
Only purchase fireworks from reputable retailers and check for appropriate safety markings and clear instructions.
Category F2 and F3 fireworks are intended for outdoor use and have different safety distance requirements. Category F4 fireworks are restricted to professionals.
Keep fireworks in their original packaging inside a closed box, away from heat, flames, children and pets. Never carry fireworks in your pockets.
What are the laws around fireworks?
In England, there are legal restrictions on buying and using fireworks:
- You must be 18 or over to buy adult fireworks (Categories F2 and F3).
- Category F4 fireworks are for professional use only.
- It is illegal to set off or throw fireworks, including sparklers, in streets or other public places.
- Fireworks must not be set off between 11pm and 7am, except on certain occasions.
Exceptions:
- Bonfire Night (5 November): until midnight.
- New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year: until 1am.
Breaking firework laws can result in fines or prosecution.
How can I use sparklers safely?
Sparklers burn at extremely high temperatures and can cause serious burns, particularly to children.
- Never give sparklers to children under five.
- Always supervise older children when using sparklers.
- Wear gloves and hold sparklers at arm’s length.
- Light sparklers one at a time.
- Keep a safe distance from other people and never wave sparklers near faces or clothing.
- Never hold a baby or young child while using a sparkler.
- Place used sparklers immediately into a bucket of cold water.
Remember, sparklers remain dangerously hot even after they stop glowing.
What should I do if a firework fails to go off?
Never approach, touch or attempt to relight a firework that fails to go off.
Keep everyone away and follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions. A firework that appears to have failed may still ignite unexpectedly.
How should I dispose of used fireworks?
Allow spent fireworks to cool completely before soaking them thoroughly in water.
Follow your local council’s guidance for safe disposal and never place hot or smouldering fireworks in a bin.
If a firework has failed to ignite, keep away and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
How can I protect people and animals during fireworks?
Fireworks can cause injuries, start fires and distress animals and people who are sensitive to loud noises.
- Keep children, spectators and animals away from the firing area.
- Let neighbours know in advance if you are planning a display.
- Inform nearby farms or stables so animal owners can take precautions.
- Consider lower-noise fireworks to reduce distress.
- Keep pets safely indoors during displays.
Always consider your surroundings and the safety of others before using fireworks.
Fireworks can be an enjoyable part of celebrations, but safety must always come first.
Choose an organised public display wherever possible. If using fireworks or sparklers at home, follow the safety instructions and take precautions to protect people, animals and property.
Celebrate safely and help prevent fires and injuries.