How to Stay Safe When Using Fireworks — Explosive Fireworks Guide

Bonfire Night, New Year and celebratory displays are fun — but fireworks are explosive devices and must be treated with respect. At Explosive Fireworks, safety is our number one priority. Below is a practical, UK-focused safety guide so you (and your neighbours, pets and property) can celebrate without turning a good night into a disaster.

Before you buy

  • Buy from reputable retailers and check the packaging for a UKCA or CE mark — this shows the firework meets required safety standards. (GOV.UK)
  • Know the categories: consumer fireworks are usually classed as F1, F2 or F3 — check the label and make sure you have enough garden/clear space for the category you plan to use. (UKFR)
  • Age limit: it is illegal for anyone under 18 to buy fireworks in the UK. Plan who’s doing the buying and lighting. (GOV.UK)

Planning the display (do this first)

  • Plan the site: choose a clear, open area away from buildings, trees, overhead cables, vehicles and dry vegetation. Put an exclusion zone around the firing area. (London Fire Brigade)
  • Check the time: the law generally bans letting off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, with exceptions for Bonfire Night (midnight), Diwali, New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year (extended to 1am in some cases). Be considerate of neighbours and animals. (Manchester Fire)
  • Have extinguishing equipment ready: keep a bucket of water, a hose, or a fire extinguisher close at hand. (Mawwfire)

Choosing and handling fireworks

  • Read the instructions on every firework BEFORE you light it — use a torch if the writing is small; never use a naked flame to read labels. (burnley.gov.uk)
  • Use one at a time and keep the rest in a closed box or tin. Never put fireworks in your pocket. (burnley.gov.uk)
  • Non-handheld vs handheld: if a product is not labelled as “handheld” (sparklers are also not toys), it must not be held in the hand. There are separate, clearly labelled handheld products for that purpose; mixing types or holding non-handheld fireworks is dangerous. (The British Fireworks Association)
  • Sparklers burn very hot — always supervise children closely, give them gloves and keep sparklers away from faces, clothing and flammable materials. Never give sparklers to under-5s. (The British Fireworks Association)

Lighting fireworks — best practice

  • Light at arm’s length using a taper or long lighter; then stand well back at the distance stated on the label. (Mawwfire)
  • Never relight a “dud” firework — wait 15 minutes, then soak it in water and safely dispose of it. (burnley.gov.uk)
  • Never throw fireworks or point them at people, animals or property. (The British Fireworks Association)

After the display

  • Cool down: used fireworks can remain hot — soak spent fireworks in water before disposing. Don’t throw them on a bonfire. (The British Fireworks Association)
  • Check the area: make sure no smouldering debris or live fireworks are left behind. (London Fire Brigade)

Storage and transport

  • Keep fireworks locked away and out of reach of children and animals. Store them in a dry, cool place and transport them in a closed box — do not leave them in a hot car. HSE provides guidance for safe storage amounts for larger events. (GOV.UK)

If something goes wrong — first aid & emergency actions

  • Burn or blister from a firework? Stop the burning, remove any clothing/jewellery near the burn (unless stuck), and cool the burn under cool running water for 20 minutes as soon as possible. Do not use ice, butter, or greasy creams. After cooling, cover the area loosely with cling film and seek medical advice for anything more than a very small, superficial burn. For severe injury, call 999. (NHS / Red Cross guidance). (nhs.uk)
  • Fire or uncontrolled situation: get everyone to a safe distance, call 999 and inform the emergency services of the hazard. Use your extinguisher or water only if it is safe to do so. (London Fire Brigade)

Quick Safety Checklist (printable)

  • Fireworks purchased from reputable source, with UKCA/CE mark. (GOV.UK)
  • Adult (18+) buyer and responsible person to light. (GOV.UK)
  • Site checked, neighbours and animal owners warned. (GOV.UK)
  • Water/hose/extinguisher ready. (Mawwfire)
  • Only handheld fireworks used if explicitly labelled “handheld”. (The British Fireworks Association)

FAQs

Q: Can I hold any firework in my hand?
A: No. Only fireworks specifically labelled as handheld are safe to hold. Holding a ground or aerial firework is dangerous and can cause burns and serious injury. (The British Fireworks Association)

Q: What time can I let off fireworks?
A: The general legal limit is 11pm, with limited exceptions (Bonfire Night, Diwali, New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year). Always be considerate to neighbours and animals. (Manchester Fire)

Q: I was burned by a firework — what should I do?
A: Cool the burn under running water for 20 minutes, cover loosely with cling film, and seek medical attention for anything other than a tiny superficial burn. For severe burns, call 999 immediately. (nhs.uk)

Final word from Explosive Fireworks

We want everyone to enjoy fireworks safely. If you’re unsure which product is right for your event (handheld vs ground, display size, or safety distances), get in touch with our team — we’ll happily advise on the best, safest choice for your space and occasion. And if you’re planning a big public display, consider hiring a professional display company.

Stay safe, keep it legal, and have a fantastic, fiery (but safe) celebration! 🎆

Useful links & resources: GOV.UK fireworks guidance, RoSPA fireworks safety, British Fireworks Association consumer advice, London Fire Brigade guidance, HSE storage guidance, NHS first-aid for burns. (GOV.UK)

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