Fireworks Safety: Enjoy Responsibly

Fireworks are a highlight of many celebrations across the UK, from Bonfire Night and Diwali to Hogmanay and Chinese New Year. They bring excitement, colour and joy, but they can also cause serious injuries if not used safely.  

RoSPA encourages everyone to enjoy fireworks responsibly and follow safety precautions to protect themselves, their families and their communities.

Are fireworks dangerous? 

Fireworks are fun, but they are explosives and can cause serious injuries, particularly burns, eye injuries and injuries to the hands and face. 

The research also shows that: 

• Most firework injuries happen at home displays 
• Many injuries involve the hands, head or eyes 
• Rockets, air bombs and sparklers cause many injuries 
• Boys, particularly those aged 12 to 15, are more likely to be hurt than girls 

The safest way to enjoy fireworks 

The safest place to enjoy fireworks is at a professionally organised public display. 

Public displays are carefully planned and managed by trained operators who know how to use fireworks safely.  

To enjoy fireworks, RoSPA recommends attending a professionally organised display instead of holding a home firework event. 

Who can buy fireworks?

You must be 18 or over to buy fireworks in the UK.

It is also illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to possess fireworks in a public place.

When buying fireworks: 

• Purchase from reputable retailers 
• Check for a UKCA or CE mark 
• Ensure fireworks are sold in their original packaging 
• Read the safety information carefully before purchasing 
• Avoid buying fireworks through social media sellers or unofficial sources  

In Northern Ireland, a valid fireworks licence is needed to buy, possess and use certain types of fireworks.

What are the different firework categories? 

All fireworks sold in the UK are classified according to their intended use and safety distance. 

• F1 – Minimal hazard (these include indoor fireworks, sparklers and Christmas crackers)  
• F2 – Garden fireworks; minimum safe distance: 8-15 metres  
• F3 – Display fireworks; minimum safe distance: 25 metres  
• F4 – Professional use only; extremely dangerous if untrained.  

Not every garden is suitable for every firework. Always check the minimum safety distance before purchasing and using fireworks. 

 When can fireworks be used ?  

Fireworks can be set off only between 7am and 11pm. 

Exceptions include: 

• Until midnight on Bonfire Night  
• Until 1am on New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year.  

In Scotland, fireworks cannot be used before 6pm or after 11pm (except on Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year and Diwali, when the rules above apply).  

Always check the latest rules that apply in your area.

The Firework Code 

• Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable and check the time you can legally set off fireworks in your area  
• Only buy fireworks that carry a CE marking or the UKCA mark. These markings show the product has been tested to the required essential safety standard  
• Keep your fireworks in a closed box and use them one at a time  
• Read and follow the instructions on each firework, using a torch if necessary  
• Light the firework at arm’s length with a taper and stand well back 
• Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire 
• Make sure that the fire is out and the surroundings are made safe before leaving  
• Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks  
• Only adults should handle fireworks – this includes setting up displays, lighting fireworks and safely disposing of them once used  
• Children and young people should be supervised and should watch and enjoy fireworks from a safe distance  
• Never return to a firework once it has been lit  
• Do not put fireworks in pockets and never throw them  
• Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators  

Using sparklers safely  

Sparklers are often considered  a safer alternative to fireworks, but they can still cause serious injuries.  

A sparkler can reach temperatures approximately 20 times hotter than boiling water. 

To use sparklers safely:

• Do not give sparklers to children under five 
• Ensure all children are supervised at all times 
• Wear gloves while handling sparklers  
• Hold sparklers at arm’s length 
• Light only one sparkler at a time  
• Never run with a sparkler 
• Keep sparklers away from faces, clothing and other people 
• Never hold a baby or young child while using a sparkler  
• Put used sparklers in a bucket of cold water immediately after use 

Protecting neighbours, pets and wildlife  

Fireworks can affect more than the people setting them off. 

Pets, livestock, wildlife and some individuals can experience distress from loud noises and unexpected flashes. 
 
To reduce the impact:  

• Consider using quieter fireworks 
• Tell neighbours in advance about your display 
• Avoid lighting fireworks near animals 
• Be mindful of people who may be affected by loud noises, including those with sensory sensitivities or post-traumatic stress  

Bonfire safety 

If your celebration includes a bonfire: 

• Choose a site well away from buildings, trees, fences and sheds 
• Keep children and pets away from the bonfire area 
• Nominate one responsible adult to manage the fire 
• Do not use petrol, paraffin or methylated spirit to light or revive a fire- use suitable firelighters 
• Avoid loose clothing and tie back long hair 
• Keep a bucket of water nearby 
• Ensure the fire is fully extinguished before leaving 
• Supervise all children  

What should I do if someone is injured? 

Burns 

• Cool the burn immediately under cool running water for 20 minutes 
• Remove jewellery or restrictive clothing near the injury where it is safe to do so 
• When the burn has cooled, lay cling film over it if you can. Do not wrap the cling film around it 
• Seek urgent medical advice for large burns 

For more advice, visit the NHS website.

Eye injuries 

Firework debris can cause serious and permanent eye damage.  

• Do not rub the eye 
• Do not attempt to remove debris 
• Seek urgent medical attention immediately  

For more advice, visit the NHS website. 

If clothing catches fire

Remember: 

STOP, DROP and ROLL 

• STOP moving 
• DROP to the ground 
• ROLL until the flames are extinguished 

Call 999 immediately if someone has suffered a serious injury.

What should I do with unused or used fireworks?

It's important to dispose of fireworks safely to prevent fires and injuries. 

Unused or out-of-date fireworks

• The safest option is to return unused or out-of-date fireworks to the retailer where you bought them.  
• If you decide not to return them, soak them in water overnight, double bag them to keep the moisture in, and contact your local council or waste disposal service for advice on where to take them  
• Never dispose of unused fireworks in your household waste or recycling bins.

Used fireworks  

• After a display, wait until all fireworks have completely cooled, then soak them in a bucket of water  
• Once soaked, wrap them in a bag and place them in your general waste bin  
• Check your garden or display area carefully for any unexploded fireworks or debris before leaving the site.  

Key Safety Takeaways

• Attend organised public displays whenever possible 
• Buy fireworks from reputable retailers 
• Follow the Firework Code 
• Supervise children closely 
• Use sparklers safely 
• Consider neighbours, pets and wildlife 
• Know what to do in an emergency 
• Dispose of fireworks safely  

Additional resources 

• Advice on organising firework displays
• OPSS Campaign on Firework Safety