Fireworks and Bonfires

Bonfire Night - keep safe and sound

Bonfire Night is a time to have enjoyment and fun with family and friends. However it is important to remember that both bonfires and fireworks are dangerous and acting irresponsibly can have devasting consequences. Read more about firework safety on the BERR (Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform.

Keep fireworks in a sealed box or tin
use them one at a time, replacing the lid immediately
Never put fireworks in your pocket
Read the instructions carefully, using a torch or hand lamp, never a naked flame
Light fireworks at arms length using a taper or a firework lighter
Stand well back and never return to a firework after it has been lit, it could explode in your face
Ensure that all children with fireworks are well supervised
Never throw fireworks
Keep all pets and animals indoors
Take care of sparklers, wear gloves to hold them and dispose of sparklers in a bucket of water as soons as they are finished
We want you to stay safe and within the law on Bonfire Night. There are offences relating to fireworks including a curfew as noise from fireworks can be a problem for both people and animals.

Possession by a person under 18 of a adult firework in a public place. (an adult firework is any firework with the exception of indoor type fireworks such as caps, cracker snaps, novelty matches, party poppers, serpents, sparklers or thrown downs).
Possession of a category 4 firework (professional display fireworks) by a member of the public other than a professionally qualified and trained person.
Breach of the fireworks curfew. The curfew on the use of fireworks exists between 11pm and 7am with the exception of the following nights with the curfew will vary: Bonfire Night curfew will begin at midnight, Diwali Day curfew will begin at 1am the following day, New Years Eve curfew will begin at 1am the following day, Chinese New Year curfew will begin at 1am the following day.

Last updated 04 November 2008