Categories of Fireworks
- F1 – indoor fireworks close proximity
- F2 – minimum 8 metres safety distance
- F3 – minimum 25 metres safety distance
Fireworks: The Law
The law says you must not set off or throw fireworks (including sparklers) in the street or other public places.
You must not set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, except for:
- Bonfire Night, when the cut off is midnight.
- New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year, when the cut off is 1am.
Preparation is Key
- Only buy fireworks from an all-year-round licensed shop and registered retailer. Fireworks should have a CE mark and be sure to follow the instructions.
- Light fireworks at arm’s length using a port fire or safety lighter attached to a stick, stand well back and never go back to a lit firework.
- Never light a firework that is not secured.
- Never throw fireworks or put them in your pockets or clothing.
- Light sparklers one at a time wearing gloves, and place used sparklers in a bucket of water.
- Keep your pets indoors throughout the evening.
- It is illegal to sell fireworks to someone under the age of 18 or to light fireworks in a public place.
Bonfire Safety
- Build your bonfire well clear of buildings, garden sheds, fences and hedges.
- Never use flammable liquids to start a bonfire, and never burn dangerous items such as aerosol cans, paint tins, foam furniture, or batteries
- Don’t leave bonfires unattended. An adult should supervise it until it has burnt out. If it must be left, damp it down with plenty of water.
- Always keep a bucket of water or a hosepipe nearby in case of fire
- Check the weather – avoid lighting bonfires in high winds.
