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Saferfireworks.co.uk — Safe, Considerate, Responsible

Consumer firework guidance

Using fireworks safely

Plan a home display, prepare your space and follow a clear sequence before, during and after using consumer fireworks.

01 · Before the display

Prepare before it gets dark

  1. Step 1

    Choose products for your space

    Choose products that fit your space: F2 requires at least 8m (although some manufacturers recommend more, so check the label); F3 requires at least 25m. Safety distances are important, so follow them. Check your available space before buying. Use the safety and spectator distances on the labels of the products you are considering, including space for fallout. If the space or weather is unsuitable, do not use the fireworks there; stop, reassess and postpone or choose a suitable alternative location.

  2. Step 2

    Buy and store responsibly

    Buy from a licensed retailer. Choose fireworks that meet current safety standards; check for the CE or UKCA mark. Keep fireworks in their original packaging, dry and away from heat or ignition. Follow the storage instructions.

  3. Step 3

    Prepare the garden

    Choose a suitable area for firing; it should be firm, level ground. Secure each product exactly as instructed. Also plan a clear route for you to follow after lighting the firework. Check for overhead obstructions.

  4. Step 4

    Prepare people and equipment

    Agree who will be lighting, keep children supervised and have suitable lighting equipment (such as a taper, portfire or long reach lighter) and a bucket of water. Tell neighbours and if you have any, get your pets inside and secure. Avoid late-night displays, especially on school nights. Check local rules and permitted firing times, including Scotland’s own permitted times.

Get the firework safety checklist

02 · During the display

Light carefully and keep spectators together

Have one designated responsible adult in charge. Keep all spectators in the viewing area, maintaining the minimum safety distance. Keep unused fireworks in a closed box away from the firing area. Take out one at a time and close the box again. Never throw fireworks or put them in pockets.

Follow the product instructions. Light one firework at a time, at the end of the fuse and at arm's length, using a suitable taper. Never stand or lean over it. Step back immediately. Do not return to a lit firework. If the firework does not fire properly, and the manufacturer’s instructions state it has a reserve fuse, follow the instructions and the waiting time before lighting the reserve fuse.

Stop firing if someone enters the safety area. Get them to safety and resume only when the area is clear. Never approach a lit firework.

Lighting fireworks

Identify the correct fuse, keep your body clear and step back immediately.

Read guide

Watching safely

Choose a viewing area with the right distance, supervision and clear exits.

Read guide

Using sparklers

Do NOT give sparklers to anyone under five years old. Supervise older children at all times. Light sparklers one at a time and wear suitable gloves, including when lighting them. Place spent sparklers flat, fully submerged in a bucket or preferably a metal tray of cold water, away from children.

Read guide

03 · After firing

Keep people clear until it is safe to tidy up

If a firework fails to light or stops

If a firework fails to light, or stops unexpectedly, keep everyone away from the firework and do not attempt to relight it, unless the manufacturer’s instructions specifically describe using a supplied reserve fuse. Follow that procedure exactly. If unsure, leave the firework and contact the retailer. Use a supplied reserve fuse only if the manufacturer’s instructions permit it. Wait at least 15 minutes and any longer time stated on the label, then follow the full procedure. Never relight the original fuse or attempt a repair. If there is no permitted reserve-fuse procedure, keep everyone away and contact the retailer the following morning.

Spent fireworks and sparklers

Let spent fireworks and debris cool completely overnight, then soak them in water the following morning and follow the product’s instructions and local disposal advice. Keep failed or partly fired fireworks separate, keep people away and ask the retailer for guidance. Never put spent fireworks on a bonfire.

Place spent sparklers flat, fully submerged in a bucket or preferably a metal tray of cold water, away from children.

Check the rules where you live

Rules on buying, possession, where fireworks can be used and permitted times differ across the UK. Check current official guidance before planning.

On an ordinary day, adult fireworks may normally be used from 7am to 11pm in England and Wales, and from 6pm to 11pm in Scotland, subject to local restrictions.

In England, Wales and Scotland, the finish time extends to midnight on 5 November and to 1am for New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year. Scotland’s 6pm start still applies to home consumer use. Check local restrictions.

Northern Ireland requires a licence to buy, possess and use most outdoor fireworks. Scottish Firework Control Zones can restrict use in private gardens. Check current national and local rules and any licence conditions before planning your display.