Fireworks and Bonfires
Firework Safety
The utmost care is necessary in firework storage, handling and use, whether you are organising a display for the family, friends or the general public. We want you to have a safe event.
Advice for under 18's
- You must be 18 years old before you can buy a firework
- You must be 18 years old to have a firework in the street
- Wear gloves if you are holding a sparkler
- Never give sparklers to children under 5 years old
- Keep pets indoors
- Stand well back
- Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it hasn’t gone off, it could still explode.
- Only adults should touch fireworks
- Best to go to an organised display
Advice for adults
- Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114
- Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks
- Keep fireworks in a closed box
- Follow the instructions on each firework
- Light at arm's length, using a taper
- Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them
- Always supervise children around fireworks
- Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves
In this section
Firework Safety Code
Visit the BERR Firework Safety website to read the Firework Safety Code and get advice on how to organise a safe display:
Do's and Don'ts
We want you to have a safe event. By following some simple do's and don'ts risks can be greatly reduced.
