www.mawwfire.gov.uk
Advice for Events - Fireworks and Bonfires
Everybody enjoys watching a firework display, but unfortunately accidents happen to people who don't take care, especially to young people. In 2005, fireworks injured 990 people. The highest number of injuries - 475 - occurred at smaller family or private firework events (DTI statistics 2005). Most injuries caused by fireworks are to children under the age of 16 and a lot of children end up with burn scars for life.

Ideally go to a public firework display, but if you are having your own private display remember the FIREWORK code:
  • Only buy fireworks marked BS7114

  • Don't drink alcohol if setting off fireworks

  • Keep fireworks in a closed box

  • Follow the instructions on each firework

  • Light them at arm's length, using a taper

  • Stand well back

  • Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it hasn't gone off, it could still explode

  • Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them

  • Always supervise children around fireworks

  • Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves

  • Never give sparklers to a child under five

  • Keep pets indoors

  • Read all instructions, read all in day light


Under the Fireworks Legislation Act 2004 it is now illegal to release fireworks between 11pm and 7am with exceptions on specific days of the year such as November 5th, when the curfew is between 12midnight and 7am. Anyone caught breaking the curfew could receive a fine of up to £5000 and/or up to 6 months imprisonment.

Parents and organisations are advised to only buy fireworks marked on the pack with BS7114 and to always buy from retail premises, which are registered by the Local Authority. Any person who is offered fireworks from an unusual source should contact their local trading standard office, police station or fire station.

If you plan to have a bonfire follow these points:
  • The bonfire should be at least 18m from houses, fences, trees and anything flammable

  • Never use petrol or paraffin to get a fire going because the fumes can ignite

  • Check immediately before lighting the fire that there's no child or animal inside

  • Don't burn dangerous rubbish (e.g. aerosols, paint tins, foam-filled furniture)

  • Remove any rubbish from your bonfire area in advance so there's nothing that can be thrown onto the fire on the night

  • Don't build bonfires on peat, as these fires can spread underground and appear some distance away


The work for you and your team doesn't finish when the last firework goes off:

  • The bonfire needs to be put out completely

  • Spent firework cases must be gathered. Look for used fireworks with a torch and use tongs or some other suitable tool, and wear strong gloves

  • Don't allow children to collect firework cases

  • If any fireworks look as if they haven't gone off after at least half an hour, soak them in a bucket of water and ask the Fire and Rescue Service for advice


When using sparklers:

  • Hold them one at a time

  • Always wear gloves

  • Hold sparklers at arm's length

  • When a sparkler goes out, DON'T TOUCH IT. It could still burn you, so put it hot end down in a bucket of water.

  • ALWAYS supervise children with sparklers. Sparklers burn at 2000°C, hotter than an arc welder.


Further information - Safety at Bonfire Displays: Advice to Organisers of Public or Semi-Public Events

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