Stay Safe This Bonfire Night: Everything You Need to Know About Fireworks 2025

Formby Bubble
2 days ago
3 min read

Stay Safe. Celebrate Responsibly.

Every November, thousands of people across the UK enjoy Bonfire Night and Diwali celebrations. Fireworks and bonfires can be great fun — but only when handled safely and responsibly.

🔥 Fireworks - Sparkler Safety

Sparklers burn at over 1,000°C — that’s five times hotter than cooking oil. They are not toys and should never be given to a child under five.

Always supervise older children closely, wear gloves, and hold sparklers at arm’s length or better still poke the end of the sparkler into a carrot or a potato.

Once they’ve burnt out, place them in a bucket of cold water.

Where to Buy

Buy fireworks only from reputable, licensed retailers — in person.

Look for fireworks that carry a UKCA or CE safety mark (which replaced the old BS 7114 standard).

Avoid:

Unlicensed pop-up stalls or “cash-only” sellers.
Fireworks sold from car boots, vans or social media marketplaces.
Shops where staff can’t answer basic safety questions.

If in doubt, don’t buy. Safe fireworks save lives.

What to Buy -

Fireworks are divided into categories:

Category F1–F3: suitable for home or garden use (F1 for indoors, F2/F3 for outdoor use).
Category F4: professional display fireworks — not for public use.

Always check the label and follow the safety distances printed on the box.

If your garden is small, choose “low-noise” or “garden” fireworks specifically designed for smaller spaces.

Professional Fireworks

Certain high-impact fireworks — including air bombs, aerial shells, maroons and large rockets — are restricted to licensed display operators.

Never attempt to buy or set off professional-grade fireworks without training or authorisation.

Setting Off Fireworks Safely

If you’re in charge, prepare in advance and stay sober until the last firework is finished.

You’ll need:

A torch for reading instructions.
A bucket of water or sand for emergencies.
Eye protection and gloves.
A bucket of soft earth to secure fireworks.
Supports or launch tubes for rockets and Catherine wheels.

Read instructions in daylight. Light fireworks at arm’s length using a taper and stand well back. Never go back to a lit firework, and never carry fireworks in your pocket.

The Firework Safety Code

Attend an organised display wherever possible.
Fireworks must not be sold to or used by anyone under 18.
Only buy fireworks marked UKCA or CE.
Store them in a closed metal box until use.
Follow all instructions carefully.
Keep pets indoors and away from the noise.
Never mix fireworks with alcohol.
Keep a bucket of water nearby at all times.

Building Your Bonfire

If you’re planning your own bonfire, think safety first.

Build it well away from buildings, trees, fences, sheds and overhead cables (at least 18 metres clear).
Keep it under 3 metres high for private events.
Never use petrol or any flammable liquid to start it.
Always check the pile before lighting — hedgehogs, cats and even children sometimes hide inside.
Consider the smoke and air pollution your bonfire may cause to neighbours.

If you’re hosting a display:

Keep spectators at least 25 metres away and on the opposite side of the wind direction.
Arrange for stewards or volunteers to help with crowd control.
Prohibit smoking near the firing area.
Use a torch to read instructions — never matches or lighters.
If the wind changes suddenly or conditions become too strong, postpone the display. Safety comes first.

Remember That Bonfire Night should be fun — not frightening.

Plan ahead, follow the Firework Safety Code, and look out for pets, neighbours and wildlife.

If in doubt, the safest way to celebrate is to attend an organised, professional display, where experts handle the fireworks for you.

Stay safe, enjoy the show, and remember, remember — safety first this November.