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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 handled safely. 

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

Are fireworks dangerous? 

Fireworks are fun but can cause serious injuries: 

  • Burns and scalds are the most common injuries 
  • Firework-related injuries peak in October and November each year 
  • During Bonfire Night weekend, NHS England’s burns advice page was visited over 8,200 times — roughly once every 21 seconds.1 
Firework-Safety-thumbnail-Amelia
01/02/2019
Amelia

What should have been a fun family fireworks night at home, turned into a medical emergency when young Amelia was hit by a burning firework

Read more

Who can buy fireworks? 

You must be 18 or over to buy fireworks, and it is illegal to carry them in public if you are under 18. It is important to only purchase fireworks from reputable retailers and always check for a UKCA or CE mark to ensure the product meets safety standards. 

In Northern Ireland, a valid fireworks licence is required to buy, possess or use most fireworks. 

Fireworks are categorised F1 to F4. Please note that F4 fireworks are for professional use only. 

When can fireworks be used legally? 

Fireworks can generally be set off between 7am and 11pm, except: 

  • 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 special nights). 

How can I enjoy fireworks safely? 

The safest place to enjoy fireworks is at a professionally organised public display — far fewer people are injured than at small family or private parties. 

If you are having fireworks at home, follow the Firework Code. 

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 
  • Don’t put fireworks in pockets and never throw them 
  • Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators 

How can I protect my neighbours, pets and wildlife? 

Fireworks can cause distress to pets, farm animals and wildlife.

To reduce the impact: 

  • Use quieter fireworks when possible 
  • Give advance notice to neighbours 
  • Avoid lighting fireworks near animals or vulnerable individuals. 

 

How can I stay safe around sparklers? 

Sparklers burn at high temperatures and can cause injuries if used incorrectly: 

  • Do not give sparklers to under-5s 
  • Wear gloves while handling sparklers 
  • Hold sparklers at arm’s length and light one at a time 
  • Never hold a baby while using a sparkler 
  • Put used sparklers in a bucket of cold water. 

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. Most reputable retailers will accept them and arrange safe disposal in line with local regulations 
  • 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. 

How can I stay safe around bonfires? 

  • One person should be responsible for the fire 
  • Supervise children closely 
  • Choose a site away from buildings, fences, plants, trees and areas where children play 
  • Never pour petrol, paraffin or meths onto the fire — use firelighters 
  • Keep a bucket of water handy 
  • Avoid loose clothing and tie back long hair 
  • Extinguish the fire properly after the party. 

 

How can I follow RoSPA’s guidance? 

To enjoy fireworks safely, RoSPA recommends: 

  • Attend organised public displays — safer and professionally managed 
  • Follow the Firework Code — read instructions carefully and handle fireworks responsibly 
  • Keep a safe distance from fireworks — for yourself and children 
  • Protect pets and wildlife — use quieter fireworks if possible and warn neighbours 
  • Be prepared for emergencies — have water prepared for the event of an emergency. 

What are the different firework categories? 

All fireworks sold to the public are classified and tested for safety: 

  • 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 all F2 or F3 fireworks are suitable for every garden. Always check the required distance and instructions. 

 

 

"Fireworks can be a source of joy, but they must be treated with respect. By promoting public displays and responsible use, we can reduce injuries and protect our communities.” 

Adrian Simpson, Head of Policy and Membership, RoSPA

Key Safety Takeaways 

  • Only adults should handle fireworks 
  • Follow legal times and the Firework Code 
  • Think about neighbours, pets and wildlife 
  • Attend public displays whenever possible 
  • Follow RoSPA and NHS safety guidance to prevent injuries. 

Additional resources

 

References

  1. NHS England, 2023. NHS burns advice sought every 21 seconds over Bonfire Night weekend.  
    URL: https://www.england.nhs.uk/2023/11/nhs-burns-advice-sought-every-21-seconds-over-bonfire-night-weekend 
    Date accessed: 07/10/2025.