SAFETY GUIDE
Firework safety
Fireworks are safe and legal when you use them responsibly. Here's everything you need to know to plan a brilliant, safe night — from the Firework Code to the law, storage and first aid.
18+
to buy fireworks, including sparklers
11pm
curfew on most nights of the year
8m
minimum distance for garden (F2) fireworks
25m
minimum distance for display (F3) fireworks
The Firework Code
Follow these simple rules every time you put on a display, however big or small.
- 1 Plan in daylight Walk the space before dark. Pick a firm, flat launch area well away from houses, trees, sheds, cars and overhead cables.
- 2 Read every label Check the category, safety distance and instructions on each firework. Read them by torchlight on the night — never by a naked flame.
- 3 Keep them boxed Store fireworks in a closed box and take them out one at a time. Never carry them in your pockets.
- 4 One person lights Choose one sober adult to light everything. Nobody who has been drinking should go near the fireworks.
- 5 Arm's length, then step back Light the fuse at arm's length with a portfire or long lighter, then move well back to the safety distance straight away.
- 6 Never go back If a firework doesn't go off, do not return to it or try to relight it. See our guide to duds below.
- 7 Secure your base Push fountains into soft ground, fix wheels firmly to a post and fire rockets from a tube or launcher angled away from people.
- 8 Water on standby Keep a bucket of water or a hose close by for emergencies and for soaking spent fireworks.
- 9 Never throw fireworks Don't throw fireworks, hold lit fireworks (other than sparklers) or put them on a bonfire.
Fireworks & the law
UK law sets out who can buy fireworks and when they can be used. Breaking these rules can lead to an on-the-spot fine, or a larger fine and up to six months in prison.
- You must be 18 or over to buy fireworks, including sparklers. We check ID on every delivery and collection.
- It's illegal for anyone under 18 to have adult fireworks in a public place.
- It's an offence to set off or throw fireworks in the street or other public places.
- Scotland has its own additional rules on when fireworks can be sold and used — check the Scottish Government's guidance if you live there.
When you can let fireworks off
- Most of the year
- 7am – 11pm
- Bonfire Night (5 Nov)
- Until midnight
- New Year's Eve
- Until 1am
- Diwali
- Until 1am
- Chinese New Year
- Until 1am
Categories & safety distances
Every firework is given a category that tells you how far away spectators need to stand. It's printed on the label — always follow the distance given for that product.
F1
1m+
Indoor & close-proximity
Very low hazard items such as party poppers, snaps and table-top novelties.
F2
8m+
Garden fireworks
Low hazard fireworks designed for back gardens and smaller outdoor spaces.
F3
25m+
Display fireworks
Medium hazard fireworks for large open spaces like fields. Check you have the room before you buy.
F4
Pro only
Professional
High hazard fireworks only sold to trained, specialist display operators — never to the public.
Know your fireworks
Different fireworks need setting up in different ways. Here's a quick guide to what you'll find in our range.
Cakes & barrages
Lots of tubes fused together and lit once. They fire a sequence of shots for a long, varied show from a single fuse.
Rockets
Fly high before bursting. Launch from a tube or rocket launcher, angled slightly away from spectators.
Fountains
Sit on the ground and spray showers of sparks upwards. Ideal for building up to the big moments.
Roman candles
Fire a series of single stars or bursts one after the other. Bury the base securely so it stays upright.
Wheels
Spin on a fixed post or wall mount. Check they turn freely before lighting.
Mines
Launch everything in one big upward blast from the ground — a great opener or finisher.
Compound fireworks
Several fireworks linked together to fire one after another, for a ready-made display from one fuse.
Sparklers
Hand-held and loved by all ages, but they burn extremely hot. See the sparkler advice below.
Storage & disposal
Storing fireworks
- Keep them in their original packaging, inside a closed box.
- Choose somewhere cool and dry, away from heat, flames and anything flammable.
- Lock them away, out of reach of children and pets.
- Only buy what you need and use them within a few weeks.
If a firework doesn't go off
- Never go back to it or try to relight it.
- Leave it alone for at least 30 minutes.
- Then carefully soak it in a bucket of water overnight.
- Once fully soaked, it can go in your general waste.
After the show
- Check the area in daylight for anything left over.
- Soak spent fireworks in water overnight before binning them.
- Never burn fireworks or packaging on a bonfire.
- For unused fireworks you no longer want, ask your local fire service for advice.
Sparkler safety
A lit sparkler can burn many times hotter than a cooking oven, so treat them with the same care as any other firework.
- Never give sparklers to children under five.
- Light one at a time, and wear gloves.
- Hold at arm's length, away from your face, clothes and other people.
- Never wave them near anyone else or run while holding one.
- Drop finished sparklers hot end down into a bucket of water.
Burns first aid
- 1 Cool the burn under cool running water for 20 minutes. Don't use ice, creams or butter.
- 2 Remove clothing and jewellery near the burn — unless it's stuck to the skin.
- 3 Cover loosely with cling film or a clean plastic bag.
- 4 For serious burns call 999. For advice, call NHS 111.
Pets & neighbours
Keeping pets calm
- Walk dogs before it gets dark and keep pets indoors during displays.
- Close windows and curtains, and put the TV or radio on to mask the noise.
- Give them a quiet, cosy place to hide.
- Bring outdoor pets' hutches inside, or cover them with a thick blanket.
Being a good neighbour
- Let your neighbours know when you're planning a display.
- Stick to the curfew times, and keep it short on school nights.
- Look out for livestock and horses in nearby fields.
- Consider low-noise fireworks — ask us about our quieter range.
Still got a question?
Our team is always happy to help you plan a safe display.