Fireworks, Sparkler and Bonfire Fire Safety Advice and Guidance

With Bonfire Night and even the New Year approaching the use and sales of Fireworks, Sparklers and Bonfires will begin to increase.

Fireworks should be used with responsibility and care as they can be extremely dangerous.

If you are thinking of purchasing or using Fireworks follow the safety steps in the firework code:

• Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114
• Only buy from a reputable retailer, not from car boot sales, markets or the side of the road
• Make sure that any selection boxes are sealed when you buy them
• Check all fireworks are not damaged or damp
• Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks
• Keep fireworks in a closed box
• Follow the instructions on each firework carefully
• Light them at arm’s length using a suitable taper
• Stand well back
• Never go back to a lit firework, it may go off in your face
• Never put fireworks in your pocket
• Never throw fireworks
• Always supervise children around fireworks
• Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves
• Never give sparklers to children under five
• Keep pets indoors

For more about firework safety visit the RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) website.

Sparkler Safety

Safety with sparklers

• Store sparklers and other fireworks in a closed box in a cool, dry place
• Always light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves
• Never hold a baby or child if you have a sparkler in your hand
• Plunge finished sparklers hot end down into a bucket of water

Children and sparklers

• Never give sparklers to the under fives
• Always supervise children using sparklers
• Give children gloves to wear when holding sparklers
• Avoid dressing children in loose or flowing clothes – they may catch light
• Show children how to hold sparklers – away from their body at arm’s length
• Teach children not to wave sparklers near anyone else or run while holding them

In an emergency

• Cool the burn with cold water for at least 10 minutes
• Cut around material sticking to skin – don’t pull it off
• Don’t touch the burn or burst any blisters
• Cover the burn with clean, non-fluffy material – cling film is ideal – to prevent infection
• If clothing catches fire, get the person to stop, drop to the floor and roll them in heavy material like a curtain

Keep sparklers in safe hands

Bonfire Safety 

• Site well away from houses, garages, sheds, wooden fences, overhead cables, trees and shrubs, at least 18 metres (60 feet)
• Always site your bonfire away from fireworks
• Build the stack so that it is stable and will not collapse, and on a solid surface if possible, such as concrete or compacted bare earth
• Only burn dry material
• Never burn dangerous rubbish such as aerosols, batteries, foam-filled furniture, tyres or anything containing plastic or paint
• Never use flammable liquids – paraffin or petrol – to light the fire
• Avoid lighting a fire in unsuitable weather conditions – smoke hangs in the air on damp still days
• If it is too windy, smoke will blow into neighbours’ gardens and windows, and across roads
• Keep a bucket of water, the garden hose or a fire extinguisher ready
• Never leave a fire unattended or leave it to smoulder – pour water on the embers
• If the bonfire gets out of control, call the Fire and Rescue Service (999) immediately

Animal Safety

How to keep your pets safe:

• Always keep dogs and cats inside when fireworks are being let off
• Close all windows and doors and block off cat flaps
• Ensure dogs are wearing some form of ID
• Prepare a den for your pet where it can feel safe and comfortable
• Let your pet pace around, whine, miaow and hide if it wants to
• Try not to cuddle and comfort pets as they will think you are worried too
• Avoid leaving pets alone during whilst fireworks are being let off
• Don’t tie your dog up outside while fireworks are being let off
• Never take your dog to a firework display.

For further information on how to keep you pets safe, including small animals and horses and ponies, read the Blue Cross or the RSPCA guides.

For further guidance and information please visit the Norfolk Fire & Rescue Service webpage: https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/safety/norfolk-fire-and-rescue-service/safety-advice-and-guidance/home-safety-advice/fireworks